Acacia Park in downtown was site of the protest
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- If you were anywhere near downtown Colorado Springs Wednesday afternoon, you were more than likely impacted by the traffic and large crowds in Acacia Park.
It was all part of a nationwide event to protest excess government spending in what organizers have dubbed a modern day "Boston Tea Party."
The inspiration for the tea parties was from an on-air rant by CNBC's Rick Santelli on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade.
In February, an estimated 30,000 Americans rallied in over 40 cities across the country in the first nation-wide protest.
Wednesday's event grew to cover 500 cities, and estimates put the Acacia Park attendance at more than 2,000.
"We have this thing called the U.S. Constitution. Last time I checked, it said we could assemble," started emcee Richard Randall, a local radio talk show host.
And assemble they did -- gathering to show support against over taxation and too much government spending.
"I'll keep my money, my freedom, my guns and you can keep your change," rallied Randall.
Event organizers like Julie Collard say this was not just a conservative effort, but bi-partisan, encouraging everyone to speak out.
"I see anybody who is an honest taxpaying American who loves their freedom, loves their country, coming out, standing up and speaking with one loud voice and saying to Washington, we're tired of this and we're taking our country back," said Collard.
"It should be that there's a lot of Americans on both sides of the aisle who are concerned about the heavy spending and heavy taxation. It's Democrats and Republicans alike," added U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn.
Some in attendance like Mayah Bennett are concerned with the future. Not for them, but for their children.
"I've never done anything like this before, but I look at what's going on and I'm not happy. Because I have children and I know the debts that we have are unsustainable, and so I'm afraid," continued Bennett.
With such a large national campaign, organizers just hope their voices get some attention from those who can actually make a difference.
"I sincerely hope so. Our representatives don't listen to us. We're hoping that this will wake them up and that they will start listening to us," said Collard
"A lot of us are taking notice. I hope that it gets back to everyone in Washington, and I think people are going to see what's going on and they are going to take notice," added Lamborn.
Tea party protesters wrapped up the day with a small march to city hall. Organizers hope to have another event near the fourth of July, but nothing has been scheduled at this point.
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