SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The No Kings III (NKIII) rally had a monumental gathering at Lakeview Commons following a massive march by upwards of 400 participants from Ski Run Blvd on Saturday, March 28. A river of people, signs and American flags stretched down the bike path on U.S. Highway 50.

The event was organized by 50501 Tahoe in partnership with South Lake Tahoe Indivisible. 

Founder and chairman of the Young Democrats Committee at LTCC, Beck Machin-Ward, along with many others, have been working with the city and the police department to plan the event. 

In comparison to their last event, Machin-Ward noted the turnout was about 200-300 more people, just at the start of the rally around 2:30 p.m. 

“I am beyond stoked. I think every time we have an event, we see hundreds of people come out. These are the people that really make up our republic,” said Machin-Ward. “They’re the people that fight on a daily basis to ensure we have democracy, liberty and freedom.” 

As car horns rang out consistently in support of the protest, the event had free a taco stand, a sign-making station and booths attended by advocacy members. 

Among those participating in the demonstration were long-time locals who dubbed themselves Chief Slowroller, Chuckles and Ricky who have lived in Tahoe for more than 50 years.

When asked what brought them to the NKIII rally, Chuckles said, “We’re hanging on to our democracy,” with Ricky adding, “We’re supporting the Constitution. That’s how [America] got to 250 years, with that Constitution.” 

South Lake Tahoe was one of many No Kings protests happening across the country on March 28, including demonstrations from Truckee, Reno, Sacramento, and San Francisco to Minnesota, Chicago and New York.

According to Machin-Ward, another protest in South Lake Tahoe is currently in the works for May Day. More details to follow.