Thousands are expected to turn out for Saturday's nationwide "day of defiance" against the Trump administration.
That includes in Minnesota where an estimated 40,000 people turned out for April's "hands off" march and rally at the State Capitol according to organizers.
This time, they say it may be more like 20,000 in St. Paul given summer travel, with others attending some 40 other events from their cabins and smaller towns around the state.
The so-called, "No Kings" demonstrations fall on the same day as President Trump's military parade in Washington D.C. which will honor the U.S. Army's 250th birthday.
"So we're really kind of looking at what the tools the forefathers gave us that we can use to try to keep our country, get our country back," spokeswoman Ann Treacy says about the protest. "You know, we didn't vote for a king, we don't want a king."
Traecy says the Twin Cities event will have speakers including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, live music and activities for all ages - and, she says, more porta-potties this time which were an issue back at April's march.
Treacy explains why they've decided to do it on the same day as the parade in Washington - a parade critics say costs Americans too much money and is unnecessary. The event has grown extensively in scope and size since Army planners started working on a festival two years ago to mark the day and have now added a military parade — which President Donald Trump had unsuccessfully tried to do during his first term.
The Army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend and that putting on the celebration will cost an estimated $25 million to $45 million. It also coincides with Trump’s birthday.
"I think this time we've - it's just gone too far," says Treacy. "It's bigger than a political disagreement. You know, they're defying courts, they're not paying attention to the tools that were set up to give us the democracy we have enjoyed for 250 years."
The march from goes from St. Paul College to the state capitol and starts at noon.
Why is it called No Kings?
The “No Kings” theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of everyday Americans who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
Protests earlier this year have denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, the now former leader of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, a government organization designed to slash federal spending. Protesters have called for Trump to be “dethroned” as they compare his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president.
“They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services,” the group says on its website, referring to the Trump administration and its policies. “They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.”
Why are they protesting on Saturday?
The No Kings Day of Defiance has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the country's democracy, according to a press release from No Kings.
It is happening to counter the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration — which Trump has ratcheted up to include an expensive, lavish military parade. The event, will feature hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft and thousands of soldiers. It also happens to be his 79th birthday and Flag Day.
“The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us,” the No Kings website says. “On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
Where are the protests?
Protests in nearly 2,000 locations are scheduled around the country, from city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, according to the No Kings website.
No protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., however, where the parade will be held. The group says it will “make action everywhere else the story of America that day.”
No Kings plans instead to hold a major flagship march and rally in Philadelphia to draw a clear contrast between its people-powered movement and what they describe as the “costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade” in Washington, according to the No Kings website.
What is planned at the No Kings protests?
People of all ages are expected to come together in the protest locations for speeches, marching, carrying signs and waving American flags, organizers said in a call Wednesday.
On the group's website it says a core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action, and participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with them.
Weapons of any kind should not be brought to events, according to the website.
How many people are expected to participate?
The No Kings Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said. Organizers said they are preparing for millions of people to take to the streets across all 50 states and commonwealths.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.