As the Trans-Atlantic Business Dialogue conference wrapped up Friday, the demonstrations against the free-trade talks that police had spent so much time and money anticipating also fizzled out quietly.
The numbers of demonstrators dwindled Friday to a small crowd made up mostly of youngsters gathered in the Federal Plaza at Dearborn and Adams Streets. During the day, the twenty-somethings held up placards, bantered with passersby and occasionally taunted the ample contingent of police assigned to keep tabs on them.
They also gave impromptu speeches–mostly to themselves–and dined on a vegan buffet set up on a folding table and offered to anyone who wanted to partake.
As the day wore on the group grew to about 100, and the protesters ventured out across Loop streets occasionally, banging drums and carrying signs.
“We’re just having a little party right now, and we’re giving the police a little exercise,” said Rocky Pyskoty, who served as a spokesman for many of the demonstrators.
Police told the demonstrators to leave the Federal Plaza at 6 p.m., Pyskoty said. They then started marching again, splitting into two groups as they circled through the Loop.
Pyskoty said they had tried to march to the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, 301 E. North Water St., site of the conference, but police told them to turn back.
“So much for the right to assemble,” he said.
Police reported no incidents of violence, but two women were taken into custody Friday night for obstructing traffic. The lack of trouble prompted police to lift the parking ban on many downtown streets early–at 6 p.m. Friday instead of on Saturday. Columbus Drive was scheduled to reopen Friday evening.
The police presence remained heavy across downtown. At the Daley Center, where demonstrations had been expected Friday, Chicago police and Cook County sheriff’s officers guarded an empty plaza at midday.
