Added on May 5, 2025 Sara Swanson

May Day gathering draws a crowd at the 4 corners

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Signs at the May 1, 2025, May Day gathering at the 4 corners in Manchester. Photo by Sara Swanson.

by Sara Swanson

Last Thursday afternoon, those moving through the intersection of Main Street and M-52 encountered residents holding an action in honor of May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day. About halfway through the 3-hour event, the group had grown to more than 50. In addition to signs, participants brought shelf-safe food and paper products, which have already been donated to the Community Resource Center.

City of Manchester resident Margaret Shaw, who helped organize the May Day event as well as the “HANDS OFF” rally in the same location on April 5, explained that the first event was part of a national protest and it was about showing the people’s power in numbers and demonstrating to the current government that “The People” are not in support of most of the changes that are taking place. She stated, “To me it was also about supporting and encouraging ALL PEOPLE to use their voices and physical presence, to encourage others to show up, that ‘We are many!’ and ‘You are not alone’.”

Though the name and the focus of the events at the corner have changed, there is a thread of peaceful protest running through and Shaw has dubbed them “4 Corners Protector Gatherings.” She stated, “It took a lot of courage for the people who came to that first 4 Corners Gathering. In a town our size, we showed who we were. It wasn’t an opportunity to hide in a huge group. We were exposed, we stood strong and united.”

While the previous gatherings have been organized to coincide with national events, the 4 Corners Gatherings are moving to a regular schedule from 4pm to 6pm on the first and third Friday evenings through August. She explained that this is a good traffic flow time and also allows participants to go to other events and to make future plans. She is asking that everyone interested share and talk up this bi-weekly event through their groups and organizations.

Although Shaw was one of the organizing forces behind two of these events, she is clear that they do not belong to her. She explained that these were concerted efforts by multiple community members who are also continuing to support future events. She noted that success comes through working together. Additionally, she encourages others to gather there anytime and organize other events there, pointing out that “it’s your right.”

Shaw states, “The 4 Corners Gatherings are invitations to speak to your neighbors and the political body about what you are FOR, what you are AGAINST, and your concerns. The 4 Corners Gatherings are an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, to get closer to being comfortable being uncomfortable. To encourage and engage in actions. Maybe you choose a different path to make a difference to address the issues, people, and world you care about. I hope our continued gatherings inspire each of us to engage, to show up, to dissent.”

A food drive was held at the same time, collecting enough shelf-safe food and paper products to fill a shopping cart. Photo courtesy of Margaret Shaw.

Participants of the May Day peaceful gathering lined both sides of M-52 on the north side of the intersection with Main Street on May 1, 2025. Photo by Sara Swanson.