Thousands gather for C. Oregon Women’s March

Thousands of women and men gathered in Bend’s Drake Park on Saturday to take part in one of numerous Women’s Marches happening across the nation on the anniversary of President Trump’s inauguration – and the first day of a government shutdown.

People of all ages marched through the park and into the downtown area, carrying signs and at times with chants such as, “Love, not hate, makes America great!”

A few people told NewsChannel 21 they were there for a variety of reasons, from political issues to moral beliefs.

“It’s so exciting!” a young woman said. “I was at the Portland march last year, and to be at Bend, it’s a smaller community, but to see all of these people that have showed up, it’s just so encouraging! I was just telling my friend, ‘These are my people!'”

An older gentleman said, “My wife here has a sign that says, ‘Resist,’ and ‘Solidarity with Immigrants.’ That’s probably the main focus we have is solidarity with a bunch of women’s issues, including lots of new women candidates.”