Rally held against Idaho Falls Lincoln Day Banquet

The third annual Lincoln Day Banquet was held Saturday evening at Melaleuca Global Headquarters in Idaho Falls.

The fundraiser is considered the biggest GOP event of the year in Idaho.

It funds events and Republican candidates throughout the year.

Hundreds of people from around the area showed up to see Wall Builders Founder, David Barton- and Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin, the keynote speakers of the event.

However, Barton’s and Mcgeachin’s appearance has prompted some community leaders to protest their event.

While the Lincoln Day Banquet was going on, so was an alternative conversation and inclusive rally against it.

People gathered at the Idaho Falls Friendship Garden and voiced concern over author and keynote note speaker David Barton’s work.

Event organizers say the rally was held as a reminder to the community that there are people in Idaho Falls who say inclusion matters and that there is strength in recognizing all members of our community.
Many speakers talked about their own stories and being part of minority groups.

“We just want to make sure that people know that we have a community here that we are really proud of,” Idaho Falls City Councilmen John Radford said. “Our community is one that embraces the inclusive community. We have a long history of people coming here and starting a life and a great life here in our valley.”

Radford says he wants people to know that both sides are represented in the community.