They will take place in Frederick & Thurmont.
Protests have always been a part of any G8 Summit, and it will be no different in Frederick later this week.
Occupy Frederick says a People's Forum will be held on Friday at the C. Burr Artz Library in Downtown Frederick from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. A panel of ten speakers is expected to talk about issues "covering global wealth inequality, and then creating a global economy based on sustainable resources, and building a new economy from the bottom up," says Malgo Schmidt with Occupy Frederick.
After the forum, there will be protests in Frederick at Baker Park, and one in Thurmont to show opposition to Drones, unmanned aircraft used in Afghanistan. On Saturday, a Counter G8 Community Block Party will be held from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM.
While many cities which have hosted G8 Summits in the past have experienced violent demonstrations, Schmidt says she doesn't expect that in Frederick. "We are a peaceful and constructive group," she says. "We are not anticipating any unrest whatsoever. We just want to concentrate on finding solutions to problems."
Frederick Police Chief Kim Dine and Sheriff Chuck Jenkins says they have not received any indication that individuals are coming to the county to cause trouble, but are preparing just in case.
At Fort Detrick, officials say there will be enhanced security on post, and some additional personnel will be brought in. However, a spokeswoman at the installation says anyone planning to visit during that time shouldn't have any difficulty getting in. As is always the case, persons driving into the entrance gates who do not have Department of Defense identification will be required to present another form of I.D. and their vehicles will be searched.
AT&T says it will bring in three temporary network enhancements to Thurmont for the G8. A company spokesman says the "cell on wheels"--or COW--will provide customers with safe and secure mobile capacity. Even with all the diplomats, journalists and other officials coming in for the Summit, AT&T says its wireless customers in the Thurmont area should have no problems making calls within Frederick County and outside. Landline customers will not be affected.
As for how many protesters will be coming into Frederick, Schmidt says that's hard to say. "I don't really anticipate any high numbers, but I can only account for the people I personally invited or our group has invited, and they are not that many," she says.
The G8 Summit will take place at Camp David on Friday and Saturday, May 18th and 19th.
