Signs waved in the air, and car horns blared in support as more than 150 people marched down Grand Avenue in Glenwood Springs on Wednesday, turning the street into a moving statement.

The Walk for Justice, organized by local churches, began at Bluebird Café and ended at Sayre Park, where participants stood united in support of pro-immigrant and pro-LGBTQ community members. Side by side, they turned the sidewalks into a symbol of solidarity.

Glenwood Springs Mayor Ingrid Wussow joined the march and said the event was a reminder that taking action matters.

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“In times like these, when people feel vulnerable and uncertain about the future, showing up is more important than ever,” Wussow said. “This walk is about standing together, making sure our neighbors know they are not alone, and proving that we’re willing to do whatever it takes to protect our community.”

She said the turnout spoke volumes about the people of Glenwood Springs.

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“This shows just how many of us care deeply about our community and the future of our country,” Wussow said. “No one was here for recognition. They came because they believe in something bigger than themselves.”

She also noted that many who wanted to attend couldn’t because of work.

“For every person here, there are five more who couldn’t make it because they’re working multiple jobs to keep this community running,” Wussow said. “We’re here for them, too.”

The event was organized by four local churches: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, First Presbyterian Church, the Episcopal Churches of Garfield County, and Roaring Fork Methodist Church. Pastor Jeff Carlson of Good Shepherd Lutheran said the idea started as a simple conversation about a joint Ash Wednesday service but quickly evolved.

“We realized this year was different,” Carlson said. “There was a need to do more, to speak out in a way that made it clear what we stand for.”

Carlson said the walk was about amplifying voices that are too often overlooked.

“Faith, for us, means standing with people who are struggling,” Carlson said. “It’s about justice, mercy, and walking alongside our neighbors instead of standing apart from them.”

He added that the event wasn’t just for religious communities.

“God is bigger than the church,” Carlson said. “There are people from all backgrounds who care about justice, and this was a way to come together and build those connections.”

Carlson said he was encouraged by the response, especially considering the event came together on short notice.

“We didn’t have as much time as we wanted to spread the word, but people showed up anyway,” Carlson said. “That tells me there’s real momentum here, and we need to keep it going.”

At Bluebird Café, organizers set up an action station with ways to stay involved, including information on Latino Advocacy Day in Denver. Carlson said continuing the work beyond the walk is key.

“This can’t just be a one-time thing,” Carlson said. “We need to keep listening, keep showing up, and ask, ‘How can we support you? What do you need from us?'”

For attendees like Glenwood Springs resident Dean Gautreau, the walk was a reminder of the power of community.

“It’s easy to feel like the world is trying to divide us, but events like this show that we are stronger together,” Gautreau said. “No matter what, we have to stand with each other.”

As a member of the LGBTQ community, Gautreau said the support meant everything.

“It’s incredible to see so many people in our corner,” Gautreau said. “Knowing there are safe and loving people out there who truly care about inclusion — it gives me hope.”

Organizers hope the walk is just the beginning of more efforts to support marginalized communities.

“This is about being good neighbors,” Carlson said. “And good neighbors show up, speak out, and stand together.”