By Beth David, Editor
Approximately 450 people showed up in Mattapoisett on Saturday, 10/18/25, as part of the nationwide “No Kings” rallies to protest the actions of President Trump. The Trump administration has defied the courts; detained and deported thousands without due process in a brutal crackdown on immigrants, even those here legally; has fired government workers; revoked funding for programs that Congress has approved; and deployed the military in American cities, all in violation of the US Constitution.
The event in Mattapoisett started with a rally and sign holding visibility at the corner of Route 6 and North Street, then marched to Shipyard Park for some speechmaking and more rallying. Lots of cars drove by blowing horns in support as protesters stayed at the intersection for about an hour before marching.
-
- Protesters hold signs and flags at the No Kings rally in Mattapoisett, MA on 10/18/25. Photo by Beth David.
Some people were dressed up in fun costumes and the mood was mostly festive, and included chants like: “This is what democracy looks like.”
The Fairhaven Democratic Town Committee, which has organized rallies at Fairhaven High School, joined the Mattapoisett event.
Dianna Lampen, who lives in England, joined the protest in Mattapoisett saying she was happy to see such a positive event “confirming good values.”
“We’ve been feeling very sad for you [in England],” she said. “So I feel very encouraged by this.”
Her friend, Charlie Howland, of Dartmouth, said he liked the spirit of the people at the march.
“I like being among them,” he said, adding it they were peaceful and saying they did not like what was going on and they would work on their problems together.
“We are in the throes of an authoritarian regime in our country,” said organizer Nicki Demakis.
She said teachers are getting fired for speaking their minds, and Tri-Town has seen a lot of attacks on freedoms, including book banning.
“Just because you’re a teacher, doesn’t mean you check your freedom of speech at the door,” said Ms. Demakis. “We are the firewall here. We are the firewall for democracy.”
-
- Protesters hold signs and flags at the No Kings rally in Mattapoisett, MA on 10/18/25. Photo by Beth David.
Carol Strupczewski of New Bedford said 80 years ago the US entered WWII to fight fascism and Nazism and fight for democracy.
“And here we are 80 years later fighting to save democracy,” she said. “This is a country of immigrants. We need to take care of all our people.”
“I’m opposed to President Bonespurs,”‘ said Barry Perkins of Mattapoisett, who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, adding that it was the first rally he has attended. “I think it’s serious now, I think we’re headed to a civil war.”
He said people need to get out and vote.
Heide Patnaude was born in Germany. Her birth certificate has a Nazi seal on it
“I don’t want my grandkids to inherit this,” she said. “This is not funny. This is serious.”
Ann Richard, Chairperson of teh Fairhaven Democratic Town Committee, said joining Mattapoisett’s event, “shows we are a community.”
“Tri Town is not Trump Town,” said Ms. Richard, adding that the Fairhaven Dems may decide to join a different rally next time.
Nationwide, more than seven million people participated in more than 2700 No Kings events in all 50 states. There were no reports of widespread arrests or violence.
In the SouthCoast, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fall River, and Westport also had rallies, with hundreds of people reportedly attending each one, and more than 1,000 in New Bedford.
Visit https://www.nokings.org.
-
- Hundreds crowd the corner of Route 6 and North Street at the No Kings rally in Mattapoisett, MA on 10/18/25. Photo by Beth David.
•••
Click here to download the 10/23/25 issue: 10-23-25 HalloweenTrail
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
