Sunny Seattle skies and a focus by WTO protesters on food and agriculture issues Thursday proved a refreshing contrast to the tensions of the past week, as thousands marched peacefully and police dramatically de-escalated the displays of force that accompanied the curfew and state of emergency.

At the First United Methodist Church, a enthusiastic crowd heard an intelligent and informative discussion by Vandana Shiva, Mark Ritchie and others about WTO threats to agriculture, farmers and the food system.

The group then marched down to Pike Place Market for a rally including Texas populist and humorist Jim Hightower and consumer advocate Ralph Nader. Perhaps because everyone — protesters, police and journalists — were exhausted by the events of the past few days, the atmosphere was laid-back, almost festive.

Police presence was notable for its restraint. Marchers were escorted by traffic cops, and riot-clad cops kept a lower profile than the police-state tactics of the previous days.

The most popular chant of the day was "No more violence!" As riot cops lowered their gas masks, anarchists removed their bandanas and the armies of the night once again had faces.

Young people carried flowers. Music and drums accompanied the marchers. Signs and banners warned of the dangers of biotechnology and extolled the benefits of organic farming. Marchers even picked up trash off the street as they walked.

"It’s the organic farmers," one demonstrator explained. "All that organic food gives them regular bowel movements, so they are always peaceful and happy."

After the agriculture-themed march broke up, 1,000 or more of the marchers spontaneously turned toward the King County Sheriff’s office, where more than 400 protesters remained in custody. Even there, the mood was calm and optimistic, as the detainees flashed peace signs from the jail windows and the streets pulsed with dance music.