At Tuesday's regular meeting, Columbia Borough Council voted to allow an activist group to use Rotary Park as a staging area for a march across the Veterans Memorial Bridge this Saturday.
The group, Indivisible MT, is planning a unity march across the bridge from 8 to 10 a.m. on July 19, 2025, with several hundred participants expected to attend. The group has named the march “Good Trouble Marches On: Lancaster and York Unite for Justice on the Bridge,” in honor of the work of civil rights icon John Lewis on the fifth anniversary of his passing.
Due to insurance companies' reluctance to cover the group, Columbia Borough waived the requirement of certificate of insurance in lieu of receipt of an indemnification notice so that the borough is protected when participants gather at Rotary.
Rachel Moore of Indivisible MT, who appeared at the meeting, has also been in contact with Wrightsville Borough Administrator Suzanne Martin regarding an event permit for the other side of the demonstration.
Rachel Moore of Indivisible MT, who appeared at the meeting, has also been in contact with Wrightsville Borough Administrator Suzanne Martin regarding an event permit for the other side of the demonstration.
"In our young history as an organization, we have been committed to doing things peacefully, safely, and in cooperation with local authorities, including the police," Moore told council.
The March
The March
According to information provided by the group, participants will be directed to park on both sides of the Susquehanna River. On the Columbia side, this may include public parking at Front and Locust Street and on-street parking. Organizers are actively directing attendees away from Columbia River Park due to a scheduled memorial service at noon on the same day.
Check-in will take place at two locations: Rotary Park and Wrightsville Riverfront Park, where participants will receive printed or digital march instructions emphasizing the importance of staying on sidewalks and remaining in line while on the bridge.
Participants will line up on the Columbia side using the park as a staging area. On a coordinated signal with the opposite side, marchers will proceed toward the center of the bridge, where a pre-positioned person holding an American flag will mark the midpoint.
When marchers reach the center with as many people as possible on the bridge, they will turn toward the river and link hands in a show of unity. Each line will then turn toward the outside and walk back, with marchers proceeding two abreast until they return to the parks and depart the area.
Safety marshals will be strategically positioned to notify oncoming traffic that an event is ahead, though they will not impede traffic or enter the roadway.
While organizers anticipate several hundred people will participate, exact numbers remain uncertain until the day of the event due to variables including weather, time of day, vacation schedules, and publicity levels.
Check-in will take place at two locations: Rotary Park and Wrightsville Riverfront Park, where participants will receive printed or digital march instructions emphasizing the importance of staying on sidewalks and remaining in line while on the bridge.
Participants will line up on the Columbia side using the park as a staging area. On a coordinated signal with the opposite side, marchers will proceed toward the center of the bridge, where a pre-positioned person holding an American flag will mark the midpoint.
When marchers reach the center with as many people as possible on the bridge, they will turn toward the river and link hands in a show of unity. Each line will then turn toward the outside and walk back, with marchers proceeding two abreast until they return to the parks and depart the area.
Safety marshals will be strategically positioned to notify oncoming traffic that an event is ahead, though they will not impede traffic or enter the roadway.
Water and first aid will be available at both parks, staffed by trained medics. Orange-vested safety marshals will guide participants to the bridge and accompany marchers throughout the event.
While organizers anticipate several hundred people will participate, exact numbers remain uncertain until the day of the event due to variables including weather, time of day, vacation schedules, and publicity levels.
The group's website is HERE.
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