MONTEREY >> The Women’s March Monterey Bay hosted the People’s March Saturday, inviting hundreds to Window on the Bay Park for the annual demonstration happening all across the country.

Nationally, the march was rebranded as the People’s March this year to broaden support and allow for more inclusivity.

More than 150 people gathered at Window on the Bay with signs, decorative costumes and clothing. They blew horns to garner attention. The group held their demonstration on the corner of Del Monte Avenue and Camino El Estero before marching across the street chanting for democracy and rights for all people.

Esther Hobbs, with Women’s March Monterey Bay, said she was happy with the turnout, expecting about 50 people.

“It’s empowering,” Hobbs said. “I found out that lots of other people were sharing information online and there’s events in Big Sur and Watsonville which I love because it’s all about including everyone and making sure everybody feels like they have a place to come.”

Hobbs said she is a big supporter of women’s rights and wasn’t sure about the rebrand at first, but thought back to how much support women’s rights movements have received in the past from other groups and communities.

“I recognized that with the first Women’s March in 2016, I remember showing up and just feeling like there were so many people that showed up and made me feel less alone in my despair,” Hobbs said. “So I think back to that and thought, we need to hold a space for our community to come together and know they’re not alone too.”

For many attendants, the afternoon was a way to convene with other politically-minded community members before Monday’s presidential inauguration.

More than 63 percent of voters in Monterey County voted for the Democratic nominees, and 3 percent voted for third-party candidates.

Those attitudes were reflected in the signs and outfits people wore, championing issues like women’s health, equal pay, gender equality and disavowing the Trump administration.

“I’m worried about the next four years and all the things that could impeach our rights,” said Leah Beets from Monterey. “I’ve raised my kids here, it’s a great place to be, but I worry about our (federal) government. Today shows there’s a lot of us and we’re not going to back down.”

Beets dressed as a handmaid from the dystopian novel and television show “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

“I’ve had this since the first administration (2016),” Beets said. “I really worry that we’re headed in the wrong direction.”

Many attended the march with friends and family. Beets came with her best friend Fleur Burke, from Monterey. Burke said she is happy to live in Monterey County where the community has many like-minded individuals who champion women’s rights.

“Hearing the things that the vice president says about women is frightening,” said Burke. “It’s not our reality here in Monterey County, but we (Beets and Burke) understand that some people are very worried about their future.”Judy Claire, from Monterey, has attended the Women’s March since its inception.

“I come every time there’s an opportunity to support democracy. I love this community, it’s my favorite part about this. We know in bigger cities there will be a big turnout, that’s why it’s important to support smaller communities,” Claire said.

Karen Gunby, from Pacific Grove, said her children are adults now, but she wants to continue serving as a role model for them by participating in the march.

“It’s wonderful to be a part of something that’s resisting something that’s happening to our (federal) government,” Gunby said. “I want my kids to know their vote matters and everyone deserves equal rights.”