Stansbury Park • The show didn’t go on Saturday night, but a protest did.
Unlike the demonstration against racism and police use of deadly force that turned violent in downtown Salt Lake City, however, the one in Stansbury Park against coronavirus restrictions that led to the cancellation of a country western concert remained peaceful.
At least 500 people, many coming and going, showed up in Tooele County to support the group Utah Business Revival in asserting the right to freely assemble — despite directives from public health officials — and display their backing of businesses struggling from COVID-19 limitations.
A concert, featuring country star Collin Raye initially was to take place at Kaysville Park. Pushback from the City Council there prompted a move to the Amphitheater at Studio Ranch near Grantsville.
But 3rd District Judge Dianna Gibson issued a preliminary restraining order Friday to block the protest concert. So with the concert silenced, the crowds instead gathered Saturday evening at historic Benson Grist Mill in Stansbury Park for their demonstration.
A volunteer estimated about 1,000 people attended at least a portion the event. Few, if any, wore masks, which have been recommended during the pandemic, though efforts at social distancing were prevalent.
“Our job as citizens is to take care of each other," Amelia Powers Gardner, the Utah County clerk/auditor, told the crowd, "to be patrons of local small businesses like we are here.”
Kaysville Mayor Katie Witt, who originally pushed for the concert in her Davis County city and is running for Congress, told the audience to “stand for freedom right now. ... Now is when it counts.”
This story will be updated.
from The Salt Lake Tribune https://ift.tt/2TU2enA
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