WASHINGTON -- The atheists are coming! So are the non-atheists.
Saturday's "Reason Rally," billed as the "largest gathering of the secular movement in world history," is expected to to draw as many as 30,000 nonbelievers to the National Mall for the public celebration of secular values.
The event brings a long list of famously godless speakers to nation's capital, including Dr. Richard Dawkins, Jessica Ahlquist -- the Rhode Island student who successfully challenged a prayer banner display at her high school, comedian Eddie Izzard, The Amazing Randi and "Mythbusters" co-host Adam Savage.
Activities run from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., when, according to the official schedule, the event will close with hugs.
Highlights of the Reason Rally include a performance by the band "Bad Religion," a tribute to the late Christopher Hitchens and a video from Congress' only open atheist, Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.).
A counter-rally going by the name of "True Reason" will be held on the Mall at the same time as the Reason Rally. The goal of True Reason, according to the event's website, is for those who believe Christianity is a reasonable worldview "to demonstrate a humble, loving and thoughtful response to the Reason Rally."
How will they do this? Per the event website, by handing out summaries of a soon-to-be-published e-book on the topic of Christianity and reason -- the book is also called "True Reason." Also, by "shar[ing] Christ person to person as opportunity arises" and giving away bottles of water.