Last night, a group of long-haired young people gathered in Grant Park to nominate a farm animal for president, groove to the rebellious sounds of the MC5, and nervously eye police officers passing through the park.

The only thing yesterday's re-enactment of the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests lacked was tear gas and police violence. Instead, officers on bicycle paid little attention to the 200 people assembled for Reenact '68, even though organizers lacked a permit for the event. 

Organizers say the event was envisioned as a way to demystify the infamous police-protester riot that shook Chicago 40 years ago.

"[19]68 doesn't get a fair shake in the history books," says Chip Butler, 26, who helped coordinate the event. "There's no need for another protest."

Unlike a Civil War reenactment, where accuracy and attention to detail are taken seriously, free interpretation was encouraged here.

Brett Koontz, who dressed as folk artist Phil Ochs and covered some of his songs, described the occasion as a "reimagining" of the protests.

The combination of historical reenactment and celebration may be the first of its kind.

Participants were encouraged to come dressed in the style of the 60s: flower dresses, signs demanding that the U.S. leave Vietnam and incense were among a few period touches.

In addition to Phil Ochs, people came in costume as other 60s celebrities including the master of ceremonies, Yony Leyser, who dressed as Allen Ginsberg.

Musical acts, including an MC5 cover band, contributed to the authenticity of the event. But the concern for historical accuracy only went so far.

A loose interpretation of events led to the nomination of two chickens for president and vice president in lieu of the pig that was famously nominated by Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Ruben.

And a march down Michigan Avenue and around Grant Park led by the Rude Mechanical Orchestra was another entertaining divergence from the record.

And while one in six of the original protesters were undercover government agents, according to Butler, there was no evidence last night's gathering had been infiltrated by the Red Squad.

Most attendees were not alive during the convention. But a number of others demonstrated in 1968, and they told their stories to the crowd.

Pat Butler described his experience as a young reporter running from the police and hiding in a trash bin while covering the protests.

Jan, who declined to give her last name, was a participant in the protests of '68 and described the demonstrators as "willing to risk everything" at the time.

She was present on Thursday to distribute a communist newspaper. Showing no loss of enthusiasm she said, "If ever there was a time to take it to the streets…it's now".

However, the majority of the crowd seemed uninterested in revolution, preferring to simply enjoy the history lesson.

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