ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Protesting what they call the erosion of democracy under President Donald Trump, thousands of people gathered Saturday across Western North Carolina for “No Kings” demonstrations.

Carrying signs reading “Defend Democracy,” “No Kings, No Dictators,” “Make America Kind Again” and “We Have a Constitution, Not a King,” participants filled downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park for a rally and march that drew several thousand people.

Chants of protest were mixed with live music and cheering, and many attendees came in costumes, giving the event a street festival atmosphere.

The Asheville rally, organized by Indivisible Asheville and the Western Region NC Poor People’s Campaign, began at 6 p.m. and included a “candlelight” march lit by cellphone flashlights, followed by music, speeches and performances.

Saturday’s demonstrations were part of a nationwide “No Kings” day of action responding to what organizers describe as the Trump administration’s “rapid assault on democracy.”

Similar rallies were held in towns across the region, including Hendersonville, Black Mountain, Burnsville, Brevard, Columbus, Marion, Spindale, Sylva, Morganton, Johnson City, Bryson City and Highlands.