The sounds of honking horns could be heard for hours across downtown Penticton on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 29) in support of the protest dubbed as ‘Freedom Convoy 2022’.
Protesters against COVID-19 mandates and other restrictions were seen at Penticton’s Gyro Park starting at 12 p.m. before hundreds of vehicles dressed in Canadian flags made their down Lakeshore Drive in support of the rally.
Demonstrators from all over the country arrived in Ottawa, Ont. this week to protest against the federal government and its stance on COVID-19 mandates, among other restrictions. And as the largest crowd gathers at Parliament Hill in the nation’s capital, the protest has cropped up in communities like Penticton.
Penticton’s version of ‘Freedom Convoy 2022’ was peaceful and remained under the control.
Shortly after 12 p.m., an announcement made on the Gyro Park speakers informed people that the rally would eventually make its to Osoyoos. A crowd of vehicles from Penticton are slated to meet with demonstrators from Vernon on Hwy. 97, to which they will make their way south to the U.S Border at 3:15 p.m.
Protesters in Penticton waved Canadian flags on Saturday while holding signs disparaging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The occasional B.C. provincial flag and American flag could also be seen waving during the demonstrations.
READ MORE: Hundreds gather at Stuart Park in Kelowna for protest against vaccine mandates
READ MORE: Local ‘freedom convoys’ cropping up in the North Okanagan
@lgllockhart
logan.lockhart@pentictonwesternnews.com
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