ST. LOUIS — They ranted, raved and chanted. They wore T-shirts, carried signs and handed out bumper stickers. And they came up with a lot of different ways to say the same thing: Leave Budweiser alone.

On Saturday afternoon, opponents of the purchase of St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch by rival InBev of Belgium took to the streets. Specifically, the streets between Busch Stadium and Al Hrabosky's Ballpark Saloon before the Cardinals' game against the Phillies. There were also promises of a larger event on July 5.

After rallying speeches by Hrabosky, the broadcaster and former Cardinals relief pitcher, and Ed Martin, Gov. Matt Blunt's former chief of staff, 100 or so demonstrators marched to the stadium, handing out stickers, collecting petition signatures and chanting, "Hell no, Bud won't go."

Some wore pre-printed red T-shirts, emblazoned with "This Bud's for U.S.A." Others preferred the homemade approach.

Those included Dave White, of Affton, who took a black magic marker to one of his old shirts — "Keep my Bud American" — before joining the rally. Like many in attendance, White was toting a Bud and promising it would be his last if the hometown brewery falls into foreign hands.

"I'm not a Miller guy, so I'll have to go with micro beers or brew my own," White said.

Ryan Janssen, of St. Louis' Soulard neighborhood, designed and printed 100 signs opposing InBev and handed them out as he walked around the stadium. "I wish I could have made more. But we made as many as we could," said Janssen, who visits the brewery at least once a month for tours.

Throughout the hourlong event, opponents repeatedly expressed frustration over the idea that an American icon could be bought by a foreign entity.

"This company is one of the best institutions in the world. This isn't just about beer," said Ron Mink, as we weaved his way through crowds of fans heading to the game. "At some point you have to take a stand."

What impact Saturday's rally will have is unclear. But organizers are hoping to see their "Save AB" campaign expand to other states. So far, an online petition at saveab.com has generated more than 30,000 signatures, including those of Gov. Blunt and St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay. Signatures have come in from both the East and West coasts as well, said Martin, who started the website.

"I don't think this is just a St. Louis thing," Martin said. "This is an American thing."

tbarker@post-dispatch.com | 314-340-8350