Peace group stages mock riot

DENVER, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Colorado peace activists calling themselves "Yippies" staged a mock riot near the site of the upcoming Democratic convention in Denver using inflatable bats.

The Yippies said the event, which involved members dressed as protesters, counter-protesters and police officers, said their intention was to use a bit of street theater to make the point printed on the inflatable bats: "Make Fun, Not War," the Rocky Mountain News reported Monday.

The mock battle was accompanied by a vinyl recording called "Your Living Bill of Rights" as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court.

However, the fake protest war drew so much attention that one concerned bystander phoned the real police, organizer Laura Kriho said.

She said the event was over by the time Denver patrolman David Granbery arrived at the scene, but they offered him an inflatable "peace bat" of his own.

However, she said he told them: "We're not allowed to accept gifts."