Lynden prepares for Trump; opposition plans 'peaceful protest'

LYNDEN, Wash. — With a population of just 13,000, Lynden seems an unlikely destination for a presidential hopeful -- even to the people who live there.

“I did not believe it.  I was like ‘Lynden, really?’  He’s got a whole country to cover but maybe he feels he’s got a fan base here,” David Laplaunt, who lives right next to the Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center.

He may have a fan base in Lynden.  KIRO 7 looked back at Whatcom County’s voting record.  While the county leans Democratic, Lynden is considered one of the reddest cities in the entire state.

They also have a venue: The fairgrounds.  On Friday, workers are frantically readying the fairgrounds for Trump’s Saturday rally in the grandstands designed to hold 5,000.

Adam Schaefer and the Whatcom County Young Democrats were not quite as surprised.

“I believe Doug Ericksen with the 42nd Legislative District, which includes Lynden, is one of his biggest supporters,” explained Schaefer.

Schaefer’s organization is based in Bellingham, one of the state’s bluest cities.  Within hours of learning Trump’s plans they had set up a Facebook invite to what they’re calling a “peaceful protest.”

Across the country though, Trump rallies have attracted violence.  The Whatcom County Sheriff  said it won’t happen on his watch.

“We are putting together a rather large contingency plan to be responsive to any needs and we won’t tolerate any disorder,” Sheriff Bill Elfo assured.

Trump is expected to arrive in Lyden at 3 p.m.  The Whatcom County Young Democrats say their protest will begin an hour before.

Cox Media Group