South Lake Tahoe 'Women's March' on Saturday

Almost one year ago almost five million women, men and children gathered around the world to participate in the Women's March on Washington on the same day President Trump was being inaugurated.

They gathered to stand together in their protest of reproductive rights, equal pay, safety for women in the workplace and more. They stood against racism, sexism, sexual assault and harassment. They stood against Trump and his policies that were racist, anti-LGBT and anti-women.

Fast forward one year, and the anniversary Women’s March is back with a new theme, Power to the Polls. The main event has moved from Washington, D.C. to Las Vegas, Nevada because not only is it a key battleground state in the 2018 midterm elections, it was also the scene of the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history.

South Lake Tahoe will have it's own march, something that was put together recently by native Kelsey Adams who wanted to have something local for those unable to make it to Las Vegas, or to Reno's march.

"It seemed like the women in this town wanted to March again this year but were unsure how," said Kelsey. "So I started the event to see how many were interested and it blew up again."

She said so many are interested in participating, and with the women who organized last year's march it is turning into being a big event.

"Businesses in town are getting involved as well," said Adams. "We have radio interviews set up for tomorrow and ladies are even making more pussy hats for this year. It's all last minute but man I tell you this town can rally together like I've never seen!"

She and the other organizers didn't have time to get permit funds together in order to close Highway 50 for the march, but the march will still go on.

Everyone interested is meeting in front of the Hard Rock Hotel on Saturday, January 20 at 10:30 a.m. for the march that will begin at 11:00 a.m. Meet in the valet area of the hotel. Dress warmly as there may be fresh snow and even though the forecast is sunny, highs are expected to be 31 degrees. Signs are being made by Tahoe Activist Artists but everyone is welcome to bring one. The message of the event is a positive one, so Adams is suggesting "no hate messages" on the signs. The theme color this year is black for all of the marches across the country.

Marchers will then move along the sidewalk and bike lane of Highway 50 to Lakeview Commons where the group will gather to listen to closing speaker, SLT Mayor Wendy David.

New restaurant, Pick 6, which is near Lakeview Commons, has offered marchers to stop by after the event and will offer discounts on their menu.

"We are still here fighting for our rights and the rights of others," said Adams. "We have voices and opinions and they should be heard. It might not be as big as last year but the idea is to remind people not to forget and we are still here standing strong with loud voices!"

“Women's March has created a powerful movement that has ignited thousands of activists and new leaders,” said Tamika D. Mallory, co-president of Women’s March said on their website. “ In 2018, we must turn our work into action ahead of the midterms. This new initiative will address voter registration and voter suppression head on. We marched for justice in DC, we created our plan in Detroit and now we’re bringing the power of the polls to Nevada.”

Following the anniversary events, the founders of the Women’s March will start a national tour of 10 swing states to motivate citizens into political action. They’ll partner with local progressive groups in each place to host town halls, candidate trainings, rallies and voter registration events ahead of the next wave of elections.

For more information, or to find out how you can help with volunteer jobs, check out the groups's facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/397993427322828/?active_tab=discussion.