Decorah Community to Rally for Immigrant and Worker Rights on May Day, Followed by Weekly Soccer and Grill-Out

If no one funds local news, your community is just rumors. Help Decorah News bring facts home. DECORAH — The Decorah Community for Immigrant Rights (DCIR), a volunteer-led immigrant advocacy organization, will host a May Day rally and community gathering Friday, May 1, inviting residents to come together in support of immigrant and worker communities. The event combines a public rally with recreational and social activities, highlighting both the historical significance of May Day and opportunities for local community connection. 5 p.m. — Rally at Water Street Park The event begins at 5 p.m. at Water Street Park with a rally featuring speakers, signs and community participation. Organizers say the gathering will focus on issues affecting immigrants and workers and encourage community dialogue and engagement. May Day, observed May 1, has roots in U.S. labor history. In 1886, workers across the country went on strike in support of an eight-hour workday, a movement that culminated in the Haymarket Affair in Chicago. Today, May Day is recognized internationally as a day connected to labor and worker issues and is also observed by some immigrant communities. Attendees are welcome to bring signs related to worker and immigrant rights. 6 p.m. — Weekly Pick-Up Soccer Game at Will Baker Park Following the rally, community members are invited to participate in a weekly pick-up soccer game held Fridays at Will Baker Park beginning at 6 p.m. The game is open to all skill levels. 6:30 p.m. — Grill-Out and Social at Will Baker Pavilion At 6:30 p.m., DCIR will host a grill-out and social gathering at the Will Baker Pavilion, next to the soccer field. The event will include food, yard games and time for socializing. Families and individuals are welcome. Attendees may bring a dish to share, though it is not required. Organizers will provide grilled items, including vegetarian options, along with side dishes. About the Event Organizers say the event is intended to bring people together while recognizing the role of workers and immigrants in the local community. "May Day is both a celebration of workers' power and a reminder that immigrant rights are worker rights," said Joshua Ratel-Khan, a DCIR organizer. "We know that our immigrant neighbors contribute every day—on farms, in small businesses and in our schools. But the value of immigrants is not dependent on their labor. We rally to demand protection, respect and a path forward for all." Event Schedule at a Glance 5 p.m. — Rally at Water Street Park6 p.m. — Pick-up soccer game at Will Baker Park6:30 p.m. — Grill-out and social at Will Baker PavilionAll events are free and open to the public. Accessibility: Both Water Street Park and Will Baker Park are outdoor venues. Water Street Park is paved, and speakers will use microphones. The pavilion at Will Baker Park is paved but surrounded by grass. Contact DCIR for specific accommodation needs. For more information: email decorahimmigrantrights@gmail.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook @decorahimmigrantrights Get the inside scoop! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and receive local news, expert analysis, and stories that matter most—straight to your inbox.