MANITOWOC – The Manitowoc County Democratic Party and Progressive Lakeshore People are organizing a rally from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Lighthouse Park.
According to a news release from Progressive Lakeshore People, the rally “Hands Off Our Parks” is in response to “growing threats of commercialization and privatization of public lands.”
Lighthouse Park, at 475 Maritime Drive in Manitowoc, runs along the Ice Age Trail, which is part of the National Parks System.
The release states: “Our national parks are living treasures — not commodities to be bought or sold. They are sanctuaries that inspire, restore and connect us to our shared heritage. We must stand as vigilant stewards now more than ever.”
Attendees are encouraged to take park-themed signs, a snack and water, and to show up in support of nature, wildlife and “the public’s right to wild spaces.”
The event is family-friendly and organizers welcome kids, animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
“It is a peaceful, positive gathering to champion the idea that wild places belong to everyone — and that their true worth lies not in dollars, but in the renewal and wonder they offer,” the release said.
‘Hands Off Our Parks’ is the latest in a series of protests and rallies in Manitowoc railing against the Trump administration.
This rally is the latest in a series of several championed by the Manitowoc County Democratic Party and other activist groups like Progressive Lakeshore People in 2025.
On July 17, a Good Trouble Rally and candlelight vigil was held at Shipbuilders Park in Manitowoc to honor the anniversary of the 2020 death of U.S. Rep. John Lewis from Georgia.
On June 14, the same day as a Washington, D.C., military parade planned by President Donald Trump, a “No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance” protest was held that began at Lighthouse Park in Manitowoc.
One other event was held in May and two were held in April as well.
Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: ‘Hands Off Our Parks’: Latest anti-Trump rally set for Manitowoc’s Lighthouse Park Aug. 2
Reporting by Alisa M. Schafer, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter / Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
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