Lansing joins hundreds of cities in the Women's March rallies

Saturday's Women's March in Lansing had a large turnout, despite the weather.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, plus other speakers and guests were in attendance.

According to a local organization called the Blue Brigade, the event almost didn't happen.

"If we didn't be the organizers of this march, it wouldn't be one, and we couldn't let the state of Michigan's capital not have a march," Susan Anderson, an organizer of Women's March Lansing and Blue Brigade member.

Anderson said they had about two weeks to get everything prepared for the march.

She said it was "intense, manic, fun and exasperating."

Originally, Anderson says she expected about 3,000 people to attend the march, but she wasn't sure how Saturday's snowy weather might affect the turnout.

Marchers proved that the weather couldn't keep them away.

"The weather wasn't going to stop us. There have been many women before us they have endured much worst. So, we figured we can stand out in the cold for a couple of hours," said Ava Trevino, Wayne State University college student

Dotty Wilinski, a Lansing resident added, "Regardless of the weather, I'm going to come out and share my views because it's important that people get up and get out."

Marchers say it was important they attended for a variety of reasons including standing up for women's rights, diversity in our society, as well as today's political climate.

"Especially as college students, I think now is the time to stand up and make our voice heard," Jocee Schwass, Wayne State University college student said.

Wilinski said she'd like to see significant changes, including changes in the White House.

"I formally stand against Donald Trump and his administration and the way they treat women, people of color, our environment, etc. so I believe it's very important to come out," Wilinski said.

Saturday's snowy weather may have impacted the march, but organizers say they're pleased with their ability to make the 2020 Women's March a reality.