SALT LAKE CITY — Despite the anti-immigration policy protests scheduled for Saturday in Salt Lake City, downtown business owners and vendors say they'll still be open for business for Open Streets.
The protests, which could affect traffic on Saturday evening, has been a topic of conversation for those participating on Main Street.
A protest is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in Pioneer Park, blocks away from where city streets are closed off to traffic to allow pedestrians to move more freely in the downtown area.
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Main Street is packed with vendors from all backgrounds. At Hotdogs Lolitas, Sandra Cortez said she's prepared for an influx of people to fill these same streets on Saturday because of the planned protests.
"A majority, at least I speak for myself and the Latinos that it's going to be a peaceful protest, and they just want to be heard, not vandalizing or doing any damage,” Cortez said.
Just a few spots down Don Ly with Space Tea is also preparing for Saturday. After participating in Thursday’s protest, he said he's confident it won't negatively impact business at Open Streets.
"As a business vendor at the market I feel safe being here. I feel like it'll bring in business to our space here,” Ly said. “I think everyone there was really respectful and kind, so I also saw a lot of local businesses attend as well and I know that everyone is there to support each other, and I know everyone felt a sense of community being there."
Police said the Washington Square Park protest on Thursday remained relatively peaceful, with only one arrest being made after an alleged confrontation.
"Just in general with what's happening in our country, there's a little bit of an elephant in the room, or a lingering sense for sure," Squeeze owner, Arianne Shaughnessy said.
But these vendors say the community surrounding them is what makes them feel safe.
"When we're stuck on social media and all that, it can feel really dark, and we all hate each other,” Shaughnessy said. “But spaces like these, you definitely realize how much people will just come together."
