A series of No Kings protests at the lake and in Truckee attracted almost 1,500 people.

The protests around the area were staggered to allow people to attend multiple events. They started in Tahoe City at 11 a.m., then in Kings Beach two hours later, followed by one at the Victory Highway Eagle statue in downtown Truckee, and ending along Donner Pass Road in front of Safeway for the largest gathering.

The No Kings protest in Tahoe/Truckee was one of more than 3,000 demonstrations held across all 50 states, drawing over 8 million participants nationwide, according to national No Kings organizers.

“In Truckee, the final protest drew an estimated crowd of more than 1,200 people,” said No Kings local organizer Cyan Samone. “We used real crowd counters to get an accurate number.”

Crowd counters are a hand-held device that helps tally the number of people at events.

People of all ages and backgrounds lined the streets, holding handmade signs, waving to passing cars, and drawing honks of support from drivers. Some signs were humorous, others pointed and direct, but all reflected a shared desire for change.

“It makes me emotional seeing more people join the cause with each protest,” said Julian McNab, who has been attending weekly protests in Truckee since President Trump was reelected.

While each participant had their own reason for attending the No Kings protest, many shared a common frustration with the current administration.

“We should value ethics, proof, and science,” said Tom Deurloo, a 67-year-old Truckee local. “Our current administration doesn’t share these values.”

For Deanna Marsh, a 53-year-old Truckee resident, the protests are about protecting fundamental rights and freedoms. She said she began attending protests after concerns grew over women’s bodily autonomy following Trump’s reelection.

“I didn’t grow up reciting ‘liberty and justice for all’ to do nothing now,” said Marsh.

For many immigrants in attendance, that call to action was personal, as they voiced concerns over federal immigration policies and ICE raids.

“As a Mexican girl growing up in America, I want an actual future to look forward to,” said 17-year-old Truckee local Zoey Carrillo.

Alongside personal concerns, some attendees pointed to the protest’s broader message.

“The No Kings protest is a peaceful way to show the world we care,” long-time Truckee resident Tom Jackson said.

The No Kings protest in Truckee was a joyful one, helped along by music from a small marching band, the Singing Resistance group, and a few participants dressed up in blow-up costumes, like a sloth and unicorn.

Local businesses also played a role in supporting the movement. Family-owned California 89 stepped forward early on, looking for ways to contribute. The company created T-shirts with bold messaging intended to be worn at rallies and beyond. One hundred percent of the “F*ck Ice” T-shirt proceeds are donated to the Immigration Law Center of Minnesota, according to Ethan Gotts, one of the owners of California 89.

For some longtime residents, the protest was a reminder of the strength found in collective action.

“Power in numbers means we are united,” said Denny Lotts, a retired first-grade teacher.

That sense of unity was evident throughout the day as participants stood side by side advocating for issues important to them.

While many were residents of the Truckee/Tahoe region, tourists also took notice.

“It’s good to see a community rally,” said a visiting family passing through the sea of homemade signs. “It is small but mighty.”

Local business owners echoed that sense of unity.

“It benefits the community,” said the owner of Cabona’s, Stefanie Olivieri. “Strength in numbers creates a feeling of solidarity.”

As the afternoon came to a close, the crowds slowly dispersed, but the message remained clear — whether local or visiting, many in Truckee felt compelled to show up, speak out, and stand together.