Protesters Take to Grant Road Intersection to Voice Opposition to Mandates

A group of roughly 70 protesters showed up to the intersection of Grant Road and State Route 28 Saturday.

Many carried signs opposing the state's masking and vaccination mandates while others waived flags. The sound of constant honking, a sign of support from passing motorists, filled the air.

The demonstrators ran a wide range of ages and occupations. People from the healthcare field, state workers, farmers and many other jobs sectors were represented.

One of those in attendance, Patti Howe, said, "I resigned from Valley Medical Center, but I worked for Confluence for 20 years before that. I resigned from Valley Medical Center last week because I get to choose what's in my body."

Another demonstrator, Angela Dye, rejected the idea that their group was making the issue political by exercising their 'freedom of choice.'

"Here's the thing. My kids are going to school right now with a whole bunch of other kids who's parents don't think they need to be wearing masks either." said Dye, "If you think masks are safe, and you think your vaccine is safe, go for it. Wear your mask and your vaccine. But why should the rest of us?"

Others who showed up to the gathering rejected the idea that Washington State was still in the middle of the pandemic. Many raised the point that if this were still a pandemic, then why would the state and other health officials be firing nurses?

The grassroot effort began to dissipate around 2:00 pm.