Longmont community members gathered downtown to rally for a more equitable society on this year's International Women's Day.
On Saturday, a large crowd of people met at Sixth Avenue and Main Street in Longmont for the demonstration. The crowd filled both sides of Main Street, with some protesters occupying the median.
Over 250 people had registered for the protest on the event website by Saturday afternoon. Rally coordinator Lyn Lowry hosted a few International Women's Day protests in Longmont before the Covid-19 pandemic, but she said she was surprised to see so many people attend Saturday's rally.
"We need community -- we need to support women," Lowry said. "We need to do something about misogyny and cruelty, and it's all over the world."
International Women's Day is observed annually on March 8. The day celebrates the accomplishments of women while calling for greater gender equality around the world.
While most of the protesters were women, many men joined the Longmont rally as well. Erie resident Paul Crosson expressed his support for women's rights and abortion access.
Crosson said it was "hopeful" to see so many people rallying on Saturday.
"It's educational, and people need to do something with their emotions," Crosson said.
Many signs displayed messages advocating for female empowerment, including "Girl Power" and "Hear Us Roar." Others focused on separate political topics, such as climate change and fascism.
"It makes me tear up because I think we all feel the same way," Longmont resident Lynette McClain said. "It's a lot more than just a women's march."
McClain said she wants the rally to inspire people to be active in political discourse.
"We want to get people involved, and to stand up," McClain said. "We need everybody to stand up."
Paula Dyer, another protester from Longmont, spent the week attending other regional rallies, including one at the state Capitol building in Denver on Tuesday.
"My heart is breaking," Dyer said. "I'm 78 years old. I never, ever thought this would be our country. And I can't stay away. I have to be here."
She said it was "so exciting" to see the big turnout at the Longmont rally.
"Longmont cares, and we're proving it today," Dyer said.