Protesters plan Columbus Dud

The Rocky:

Protesters do not plan to interfere with the Columbus Day Parade on Saturday as they have in previous years.

Glenn Spagnuolo, a leader of the movement to end the Columbus Day parade, said Thursday that lawyers for the protesters need a break.

The same lawyers who defended the Columbus Day protesters last year - when 83 people were arrested - also represented some of the same people after arrests during the Democratic National Convention.

"That's thousands of dollars worth of legal work that's done for us. You have to be respectful of their time and their resources," Spagnuolo said.

So thoughtful, our Glenn.

The Columbus Day parade begins at 10 a.m. at Court Place and 15th Street. It follows a route that circles about a half-dozen blocks and ends on Broadway.

George Vendegnia, who heads the parade committee, said he can do without protests.

"That would be nice," he said.

Don't get too comfy there, George. You never know whether some "affinity group" or other might decide to do a little independent action of their own.

Opponents will rally instead near the Capitol before the parade, Spagnuolo said.

Denver police spokesman Sonny Jackson said, "We'll be adequately staffed for the parade."

Jackson said the opponents don't have a parade permit, but noted they don't need one as long as their activities remain on the sidewalk.