The Villages Democratic Club will be hosting “Giving Thanks” sign-holding rallies along five major thoroughfares within The Villages on Saturday, Nov. 29. American flags will mark the gathering site for each rally.
“We are giving thanks for nearly 250 years of American democracy, free speech, liberty and justice for all,” said Karla McCarey of the Village of Dunedin. “We will not be silent as our democracy is being dismantled.”
The rallies will run from 10-11 a.m. at the following sites:
- Rally #1: U.S. Hwy. 441 N — Near La Plaza Grande Shopping Center & the Golf Cart Bridge (both sides of 441)
- Rally #2: County Road 466 – Near Laurel Manor Recreation Center
- Rally #3: County Road 466A – Near Sarasota Golf Course & Colony Cottage Recreation Center (both sides of 466A)
- Rally #4: State Road 44 – Grassy area near Rohan Recreation Center and the Chitty Chatty bridge
- Rally #5: Marsh Bend/Warm Springs intersection near Everglades Recreation Center (both sides of Marsh Bend)
“These rallies are a follow-up to the very successful No Kings rallies we held in The Villages on Oct. 18, which were attended by more than 5,000 people. They said they wanted to do more, so we’re providing them with this opportunity,” said Deb Krase of the Village of Collier.
Participants are asked to decorate their golf carts with American flags and other patriotic paraphernalia, to caravan with friends to their chosen rally site, and to bring their own signs, McCarey said. Some signs and American flags will be available at each site.
“If you have family or friends in town for the Thanksgiving weekend, bring them with you to a Giving Thanks rally and create powerful memories for everyone,” McCarey said.