PRESS RELEASE

Press contact:

Rebecca Stone

[email protected]

July 25, 2025

PADDLE FOR DEMOCRACY

Oregonians to form a peaceful flotilla on the Willamette River

In June, over 5 million concerned Americans took their protests to the streets in opposition to unilateral, antidemocratic actions taken by the Trump administration. In August some Oregonians will be taking theirs to a different sort of venue.

Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 8 am, kayakers and other paddlers and boaters will join together for a peaceful protest float on the Willamette River in Portland. The event, a response to the growing authoritarianism of the current administration, is organized by several of Oregon’s Indivisible groups, which are affiliates of the national grassroots pro-democracy movement.

Launching from the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade, we will ply the Willamette River between and around the Hawthorne and Morrison bridges with signs and banners showing support of our country and condemning government overreach. Boaters are required to wear life jackets/vests. Those without boats are also welcome to bring their own signs and cheer on the Flotilla for Freedom from the shoreline as we Paddle for Democracy!

WHAT: Paddle for Democracy

WHEN: August 10, 2025, 8 am to 11 am

WHERE: Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade at SE Water Ave at Clay St., Portland, OR 97214

ORGANIZERS: Local Oregon Indivisible Groups

For more information: TINYURL.COM/PROTESTFLOAT