True, close up parking is not good, but last years 5000+ event was also on a weekday. We had to walk several blocks, but that did not bother us, because the weather was beautiful. I still stand by the reason for the smaller turn out is being the 21 other rallies. Last year it was not spread out nearly so wide.
TriCities, WA (Richland, Kennewick, Pasco). Local paper puts crowd at 600 which is probably close. Total population of the area: ca. 100,000-125,000.
I later added this:
I need to add something to the TriCity, WA turnout (above). The demonstration took place at a park which faces onto a major thoroughfare. While I was out there holding a sign about 1 out of 3 autos honked their horns loudly and many drivers and passengers gave us a thumbs up. No one shouted obscenities, no one yelled opposition. This took place during rush hour so support for the Tea Party was stronger than attendance figures alone indicate.
For those of you who know the area the major thoroughfare was George Washington Way.