It all started on a chilly February day in Otsego, but the determination of a small group of individuals was anything but cold.
Despite the snow, their spirits were high, fueled by a shared passion to make their voices heard at Rep. Emmer's office. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it sparked an incredible idea: why not bring this energy closer to home?
Chaska Rises Up!
Knowing that Rep. Emmer had an office in Chaska, even if it's now closed, the group seized the opportunity. They put out a call for a protest on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 from 1-2 PM. And what an amazing response they received!
Despite the freezing temperatures, over 100 people showed up, united in their commitment. This wasn't just a one-time event; the momentum continued, with dedicated individuals showing up every single Saturday.
A Wave of Inspiration
Building on this powerful start and amplified by national calls to action from groups like Indivisible, 50501, and Hands Off, the movement truly exploded.
On April 5th, a phenomenal over 1,000 motivated people joined the national Hands Off protest. And the incredible turnout didn't stop there.
May Day, between the 1st and 3rd, saw an astounding over 1,400 individuals making their voices heard.
Even the regular Saturday protests continued to draw impressive crowds of 250 to 400 passionate folks!
Unstoppable Spirit on No Kings Day
Then came "No Kings Day," a testament to the unwavering spirit of this community.
Even amidst challenging circumstances, an incredible 2,261 excited and exuberant people showed up, demonstrating their unwavering commitment.
What's truly inspiring is that many of these dedicated protesters are first-timers.
They're motivated by a powerful desire to protect the Constitution, champion women's rights, and counter initiatives like Project 2025. Their passion is undeniable.
An Inspiration to Others
The success of the Chaska protests is so remarkable that other protest groups in the area have reached out, eager to learn the secret to such consistently large and spirited turnouts.
They are absolutely amazed BY YOU.
And it's no surprise why. Your passion for making your voices heard shines through. Your presence is filled with joy, and the support you offer one another creates an incredible atmosphere.
People don't see these protests as a chore; instead, they leave feeling invigorated, happier, and more hopeful than when they arrived.
So, congratulations on what you've built and what you're accomplishing, one Saturday at a time. Your dedication is truly making a difference.
I’ve joined the Chaska protests on behalf of all the young girls and women (and in particular my 2 granddaughters) whose rights are being threatened. I want to preserve and protect the rights that I had growing up.💕
I started coming to the Chaska protests in April after driving by and seeing folks out there one chilly spring afternoon and I've been out to every event since. We've created a lovely and beautiful community! It warms my heart and fuels my fire to keep fighting for all of us and the future generations.