Holding signs bearing messages like “preserve due process” and “Iowa feed hungry children” protesters positioned themselves on all four sides of the intersection of First Avenue South and 29th Street at 5 p.m.

The noisy demonstration lasted about an hour. Many drivers passing through the intersection sounded their vehicle horns in apparent support of the group.

“The point is to save our democracy,” said Claudia Koch, of Fort Dodge, one of the event organizers.”There are a lot of things going on that people are not happy about.”

Another organizer, Amber Rouse, of Fort Dodge, said the event protested violations of the Constitution, violations of due process and unfair treatment of workers.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Some of the 120 people participating in the 50501 demonstration Thursday evening in Fort Dodge lined the sidewalk on the northeast side of First Avenue South and 29th Street.

“I get very concerned with some of the legislation coming out of the administration,” she said. “We have to keep fighting so those unfair and unconstitutional things don’t happen.”

“We just have to stand up to them and resist,” she added.

Koch said the event was part of the national 50501 movement. She said it is not named after the Fort Dodge ZIP code. She said the number stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.

Similar protests were held in 20 communities in Iowa.

The protest had been planned for about two weeks, according to Koch.

Rouse said she was very pleased to see the public’s reaction Thursday evening.

“It has all been supportive or people just minding their business,” she said. “I’ve seen nothing negative.”