Over a thousand show up for 4th Annual Monterey Bay Women’s March

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) The sounds of the 4th Annual Monterey Bay Women's March were heard across the peninsula, Saturday.

A team of drummers kicked off a parade of over 1,000 people through downtown Monterey.

"We're always going to do this together," said participant, Melissa Peters.

For some, the annual march has become tradition. Peters said she first took a stand for change while pregnant with her daughter. Saturday, Peters and her daughter march as a pair. "I want to show her the example that it's important to fight for women's rights," said Peters.

Participants made a statement with loud voices, colorful signs and expression through art.

"I now know there are a lot of people supporting women. It's just really inspiring," said participant, Alysha Pena. 

Many young men and women, like Pena, will vote for the first time in the primary election, this March.

"We want people to get out and vote. It's the most important election of your lifetime. We want people to be energized all year round," said Women's March Monterey Bay Lead Organizer, Esther Hobbs.

Not everyone agrees with what women's marches stand for. The national organization was under fire in 2018 after facing accusations of anti-semitism. This prompted some to start their own marches in 2019. "This is not about trying to bash anyone. It's about saying that there is an alternative," said one march organizer in Washington D.C.

Organizers in Monterey said the upcoming election was top of mind when planning this year's event. Hobbs said their efforts to encourage everyone to vote won't stop with Saturday's march.

"I'm just excited because I want community change. Well, I want global change. We need to elect someone that will hear our voices and know that our voices matter," said Pena.