Informal morning Plaza gathering followed by event at Oak Knoll Golf Course
By Morgan Rothborne, Ashland.news
Ashland residents will have two opportunities to show their solidarity with a national Women’s March at two events on Saturday, Jan. 18, with a formally organized event at Oak Knoll Golf Course following an informal gathering on Ashland Plaza in the morning.
Women’s March – Southern Oregon and ORD2 Indivisible have organized an event at Oak Knoll Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., open to the public with “donations greatly appreciated,” as the event is intended to raise funds for “supporting local nonprofits who are working to protect people in our community who will be targeted by the incoming administration’s policies,” according to information submitted by organizers to Ashland.news.
“We are not marching in Ashland this year. Now is the time for action! We are gathering to build community connection,” Teresa-Safay Machado, of Women’s March – Southern Oregon, said in the release.
Local musicians Alice Di Micele, Bret Levick, Bill Scholer and the Brash Band, Tommy Letchworth of Smiley T and The Tall Trees, Blue Lightning and the Holy MIsfits will be donating their talent performing at the event, while Mary Jane’s Bento Food truck will open at 11 a.m., the release said.
“Our speakers will share messages of power, hope and resilience. The People’s March and this fundraising concert are about building collective power. We will always work to protect our freedoms, our families, and our communities,” Machado said in the release.
Parking is limited; off-site parking is available at 574 Washington St. and a shuttle will be available to bring in attendees from this parking site to the event starting at 10:45 a.m., the release said. A Gofundme page has been created to pay for the expenses of hosting the event.
All genders are welcome to attend the informal gathering Beth Remington instigated for the Ashland Plaza, she said when reached by phone Wednesday. Attendance can include anyone seeking local solidarity in alignment with the larger national event and inspired by the Women’s March in 2017.
“We went to the one in Oakland and it was really powerful,” she said. Ashland had its own, massive march.
Attendees are asked to gather Saturday, Jan. 18, at 10 a.m. Homemade signs, anything pink or “pussy hats” are encouraged and should be “worn proudly,” Remington wrote in an email.
Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at [email protected].
Jan. 17: Corrected parking address for shuttle (574, not 547 Washington St.).
Jan. 18: Corrected spelling of Alice Di Micele’s name.
