Name: Waterland Parade’s first-ever Block Party will be Saturday night, July 18
Start: 2026-07-18T20:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-07-18T22:00:00-07:00
Location: Downtown Des Moines

By Victoria Andrews

For over a year, regardless of the weather, Big Catch Plaza in Des Moines has been the place where people can go to feel safe, to feel heard, to not feel alone and helpless about the America we are experiencing under the current administration.

And on Saturday, Mar. 28, 2026, when there was a need for yet another No Kings rally, they came again in solidarity, smiling, snapping selfies, showing off their creative signs, and being in community.

Over 2,000 were rewarded for their efforts by the loudest support to date from drivers passing by.

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In addition to volunteers passing out water bottles, a memorial table and voter registration information distributed by representatives from the League of Women Voters, the Des Moines Food Bank had its usual table at the No Kings III rally. Participants responded with generous donations totaling $1.831 – the largest donation yet at one of these events! Your neighbors and the staff and volunteers at the food bank are grateful.

The comments they provided as they stood united demonstrate a commitment to democracy and to each other in the best way. Here’s how they answered the question:

Why did you come?

Buck from West Seattle:

“To go somewhere new, see what’s happening here. The focus is the military and veterans: unjust war, killing innocent people. I could go on and on.”

Shawna from Des Moines:

“To fight for people.”

Des Moines Deputy Mayor Gene Achziger:

“There’s a sign over there that says it all: ‘F*ck Trump.’”

Corinne from Des Moines:

“I have been protesting my entire life. I took a little break, but if this isn’t a reason to protest, I don’t know what it.”

Des Moines Councilmember Harry Steinmetz:

“I just hate what Trump has done to the country and we need to restore democracy as soon as possible, and respect for our institutions of government.”

Kathy, aka “Pie Lady” from Des Moines:

“To let Trump know we’re not going to tolerate his behaviors and calling people names. Behave more presidential!”

Derek, with Amelia (age 6) and Suki from Upper Woodmont:

“Everything going on in the government lately is a sad state of affairs. It feels like we can add some hope instead of feeling hopeless.”

Ditto from Suki, who added:

“It makes me feel hopeful for our future to see so many people each time.”

Chuck from Kent, with wife Sue and friend Bob from Des Moines:

“To show support- it’s a beautiful day with beautiful people.

Sue:

“Our friends live here so we’re supporting them and the cause.” Bob added: “I can’t think of anything more important to do on a Saturday.” To which Chuck added: “We could be golfing- but we’re here!”

Lisa, with Keith from Federal Way/Auburn:

“We’ve been coming here – we were part of the first meetings. It’s a lovely place with good people.” Keith: “We just don’t like Trump. He’s ruining the country.”

Brittany, visiting from Yakima, with her mother Wendy from Des Moines:

“We have to speak up. If you don’t say anything, nothing can change.”

Wendy added:

“I’ve been to all the No Kings rallies, including one in Poulsbo when we were visiting. Just like this one: friendly people. I want fairness for everybody. I don’t understand arresting people just because of the color of their skin. He’s looting the Treasury, stealing, stealing, stealing!”

Melody, here with Steve from Des Moines:

“To show up for the community. It matters and it’s heartwarming to see all the people taking time out of their day to stand up for something.”

Steve:

“I think showing and sharing our numbers and not feeling like we’re alone. The other side wants us to feel that we’re in the minority, and it’s good to see a reality in our own neighborhood.”

Byron from Des Moines:

“I chose this costume specifically because we’re now officially the 6-gill capital of the world! So I said – perfect. I don’t like fascism – no! – because I’m an American and this is how we roll!”

Scotty from Burien:

(heavy sigh) “Where do you start? I worked for the Navy. I’m not anti-military but I’m totally anti-wars because when you have wars, people die. You can’t replace them.”

Nancy from Newcastle, behind the sign, here with her friend, who’s name I’m sorry I didn’t get but who was willing to go on the record:

“Our book group is meeting at Wesley. There’s so many things to say ‘Stop it!” to: greed, war, lies, oligarchy, inhumanitarianism, racism, disrespectful, the loss of three distinct branches of government…Trump…that some it up!”

Des Moines City Councilmember Pierre Blosse, here with his son and friend Alyson Chapin:

“I support the Constitution and no one should be above the law, and I want to support that.”

Alyson’s comment:

“To show my support for the community, to show up to be part of a large mass of people who are against this administration. The more people show up, the better chance of making change.”