​Hundreds Expected At Trump Parade To Doylestown: See Route

DOYLESTOWN, PA — A pro-Trump parade in Bucks County is expected to draw hundreds of motorists to Doylestown this weekend.

Linda Mitchell, lead organizer for the People4Trump political action group based in Newtown, is expecting roughly 250 vehicles to participate in the road rally, she told Patch. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 320 people have RSVP'd to the event on Facebook.

Viewed as a popular workaround to the problem of in-person gatherings, rallies and celebrations during a coronavirus pandemic, Mitchell said the organization decided to hold the socially distanced vehicle parade after listening to suggestions from local Trump supporters.

"People had been asking about doing a road rally in support of the re-election of the president," Mitchell said. "We thought, 'It's probably a good idea.'"

Bikers, truckers and car drivers will gather in the parking lot of the People4Trump headquarters at 642 Newtown Yardley Rd at around 10 a.m. Saturday. One hour later, motorists will depart via the bypass to Route 332 West, passing through Richboro and Jamison, before turning onto Route 611 North until they reach the Bucks County Courthouse at around noon.

It's possible the protesters will come into contact with activists taking part in a women's march at the intersection of Main and State streets, but police say they are prepared for any increased activity in Doylestown Borough.

There have been about 25 protests and rallies in the borough in 2020, Central Bucks Regional Police Chief Karl Knott told Patch, and this weekend's rallies don't pose any additional concerns compared with previous protests.

"[Central Bucks Police] provide public safety details during these events to ensure the safety of participants, citizens and the motoring public," Knott said. "We encourage organizers of events to contact us directly to provide date/time, location and estimated number of participants so that we may assist protecting their First Amendment rights to peacefully gather."

People4Trump founder Jim Worthington, who also owns the Newtown Athletic Club, has been a vocal supporter of President Trump since 2016, when his fitness club hosted the Republican candidate during his presidential campaign in Pennsylvania. That event incurred $19,000 in police and fire overtime costs to Newtown Township, sources said.

The Newtown Township Police Department won’t be providing an escort for Saturday's rally and is coordinating with several other police departments along the route, including Central Bucks Regional Police, Lt. Jason Harris confirmed.

Central Bucks Regional Police is advising motorists to use caution and expect delays in Doylestown Borough on Saturday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Related: Halloween Rally Planned At Bucks Co. Trump Store