SPRINGFIELD, Mo.– Large crowds of protesters lined the street on Wednesday as President Donald Trump spoke to a private gathering at a manufacturing plant a few blocks away.

Carrying U.S. flags along with signs that denounced Trump’s actions on a variety of issues, several protesters said they stand prepared to organize anytime the president plans a stop in the region.

“It’s my home turf,” said Josiah Horn, of Joplin. “In Missouri, we’re stubborn but honest. He’s stubborn, but he’s not honest. He doesn’t fit Missouri values, and he shouldn’t be welcome here.”

Horn was among many protesters who filled sidewalks for blocks along both sides of the Glenstone Avenue, a main Springfield thoroughfare, as part of the event organized by about a dozen groups, including Democrats, Indivisible chapters across the area, the Emerging Church and NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri.

Protesters came from Oklahoma and Arkansas, and from as far away as St. Louis and Columbia in Missouri, according to Krista Stark, executive director of Southwest Missouri Democrats.

She said the group had no way to accurately assess the number of people who joined in the protest but added, “We’re very pleased with the turnout.”

Crowds first gathered at the Springfield Teamsters Hall in a room that Stark estimated can hold about 1,200 people.

“We also had people outside, and some who had left for the protest zone,” she said.

Harrie Farrow said she was one of 10 Eureka Springs, Arkansas, residents to drive to Springfield for the protest.

She said she wanted to be there “because it’s important for Trump to know we don’t approve of his policies.”

She said she is particularly bothered by Trump’s stances on LGBT rights, health care, immigration and the environment.

Dozens of protesters carried American flags that were provided by the Flag Project, started by Chris Cooper, of Columbia.

He said those supporting Trump “try to wrap themselves in the flag, but the flag is a symbol of our democratic traditions and the Constitution. It stands for all people being created equal.”

Josh Lockwood, another Joplin resident at the demonstration, said he wanted to be there “because he needs to see we don’t agree with him.

“He can say what he wants, but we’ll organize because we think differently,” he said.

Stark said the demonstration was organized to support “health care for all, equality and human rights. Those on hand also were asked to sign petitions that would force statewide votes on proposals for ethics reform measures, a statewide minimum wage and the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes.

Protesters spanned all age groups. Most carried handmade signs criticizing Trump’s actions on the environment, health care, race, fascism, even Trump’s recent pardon of former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio — “A racist pardons a racist.”

Several on hand cited the reason for Trump’s visit — to outline plans for tax reform — and predicted he will propose changes in the tax system to benefit the wealthy.

The views of the protesters were not shared by other area residents a few blocks away. About 20 cars lined a street alongside the Loren Cook company plant, with their occupants hoping they could see the president and show their support.

They were afforded a glimpse when the president’s motorcade zipped by at the end of the block, but several said they still were glad they came.

Marilyn Turner and Tamara Starkey drove from Roach, Missouri, 70 miles from Springfield. Both said they are strong Trump supporters.

“I love and respect him,” Starkey said. “He says he’ll drain the swamp, and I believe he wants to. I believe he’ll build the wall.”

Though she is on Obamacare, Starkey said she is a strong proponent of the program being repealed and replaced, including the provision that allows youngsters to stay on their parents’ health plans until age 26.

“I want our old health care back. I’m OK with keeping pre-existing conditions, but kids should be able to get their own health insurance,” she said.

Tim Cook, a truck driver from Fair Grove, said government programs were too generous under the Obama administration.

“I like what he (Trump) stands for because he’s going to make people work for what they need,” he said. “Before, people didn’t need to work because everything was handed to them.”

Redden writes for the Joplin, Missouri Globe.