Art and Liberty Activists Mix on the Courthouse Square
About 200 people attended the La Grange Art Stroll on the courthouse square Saturday, Sept. 12. The event also attracted a group of liberty activists who held a demonstration on the square.
“It was hard to judge exactly how many people attended,” said La Grange Main Street Manager Stacy Norris, whose office organized the Art Stroll. “There were some good, safe socially distanced crowds.”
Visitors walked around the square to visit different shops which hosted artists who displayed work for sale. Some businesses offered food and drink. Norris said one of the artists she spoke with reported meeting people from Dallas, San Antonio and Grandbury at the event.
“Some artists sold quite a bit and did very well,” Norris said. “They were thankful they could participate without having to deal with big crowds. I was shocked at how happy people were to be out and about. Everyone I saw had a mask on and everyone was really respectful of social distancing.”
As for the rally on the Square, Norris said, “They socially distanced properly as well.”
La Grange Police Chief David Gilbreath said the rally did not interfere with the Art Stroll.
“They had signs up saying different things,” Gilbreath said.
William Bernsen of Plum, one of the organizers, said about 15 to 20 people participated in the rally. Bernsen said the group opposes government mandates in response to the coronavirus pandemic, specifically the orders to close businesses, cancel events, and requirements for masks and social distancing. Many of the messages included the social media hashtag #LibertyMatters.
“Liberty matters because in the absence of liberty, you get tyranny,” Bernsen said. “The government doesn’t know what is best. They are often wrong and sometimes they lie.”
Overall, Bernsen said his interactions with others on Saturday was mostly positive.
“It was interesting watching people’s reactions as they drove by,” Bernsen said. “A lot of people honked. Some made funny faces at us. One person gave us the finger. But there were a lot of honks and thumbs up.”
One person on social media asked why the group was allowed to post signs and protest on the courthouse lawn without a permit.
Gilbreath said the group did not need a permit.
“Not when it comes to free speech and protesting,” Gilbreath said. “Its always good to have a permit, so City knows what going on.”
Another person asked the Record why the Liberty Matters rally was allowed to take place on the square when the Black Lives Matter and Community Unity Gathering on June 20 took place at White Rock Park.
“They didn’t have to go to White Rock Park,” Gilbreath said. “(The organizers) elected to go with us down there so the City could be involved and show unity.”
Bernsen said his group was surprised at the amount of community support they received at Saturday’s event. The group is planning to hold another demonstration in a few weeks.