Tea Party rally protests Commerce City land annexation

DENVER - A unique demonstration near the State Capitol on Monday likely turned more than a few heads. It was a Tea Party rally to protest the annexation of land by Commerce City.

Members of a group called the Commerce City Tea Party dressed up in hats and wigs and waved signs at 14th and Broadway in Denver. Protestors said Commerce City moved forward on the annexation of more than 1,200 acres of land in unincorporated Adams County without the consent of the people who were affected.

The group says an attorney presented its case to the Colorado Court of Appeals during a hearing on Monday.

Members of the group did acknowledge that before the annexation took place, they were allowed time to voice their opinions before the city council.

Commerce City confirms more than 1,200 acres of land was annexed in January 2008. It says the land is an enclave, in other words it is land that is completely surrounded by the city. Commerce City also confirms the matter is in litigation.