Donald L. Hassig, the Green Party candidate for Congress, was arrested by State Police on Monday on a charge of trespassing in the town of Parishville.

In a lengthy news release issued on Monday, Mr. Hassig said that he was merely exercising his constitutional right in a public place. At “high noon,” Mr. Hassig says, he arrived at the Parishville Park with a three-panel display board and began dancing to educate children about the dangers of pollution. A town official called state police, who showed up and arrested him as he sang “I Won't Back Down,” a song by the American singer-songwriter Tom Petty, Mr. Hassig said.

Mr. Hassig said he was issued an appearance ticket and left the park on his own after being handfuffed. He said he will file a free speech lawsuit against the town and the State Police.

This is not his first run-in with the law in St. Lawrence County.

“Under arrest again,” Mr. Hassig said in a news release. “Viva the Revolution!”

He is on the Nov. 6 ballot against Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, and Republican Matthew A. Doheny.

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