About 175 islanders turned out in light rain on Vashon on Saturday morning, carrying signs, walking dogs and marching for a variety of causes, from women’s rights to voting rights to health care for all.

Islander Emily Wigley organized this local march, from Center to the Village Green, for the second year in a row. Last year, unable to go to Seattle, she wanted to mark the first women’s march locally — and even considered marching alone. Instead, she put out the word to others, and nearly 300 people joined her, not only sparing her from marching by herself, but — as she said Sunday — potentially starting an island movement.

The movement would include just what Saturday’s event held — a time for people to speak on what is important to them, march and show everyone around them support. Wigley added that she did not care if island marchers were counted in any official tallies or that Vashon’s numbers would never equal those in nearby cities.

“We marched. We know it. We feel good,” she said.

She spoke enthusiastically about the years ahead.

“I hope it will be a fixture for years to come,” she added.

Susan Riemer/Staff Photo

Among the crowd were some people from out of town and some people that many on the island know well. Dari Haffe and her husband Lance Morgan were there, carrying signs that read: “Without Hermione, Harry would have died in book one” and “Only weak men fear strong women.” Meanwhile, island potter Liz Lewis was there carrying a sign with one word only: “Impeach.”

Jessica Wesch, the medical director at the island’s Neighborcare Clinic, marched with a guest from New Brunswick, Canada. Wesch’s sign said, “Where women thrive, humanity survives.”

Following the march, she shared some of her history. Years ago, she was a “welfare mom,” she said, and began medical school as a single mother with a nursing baby. That daughter is now 23.

“I march for opportunity for all women today,” she said.

Susan Reimer/Staff Photo

Three teens, sporting pussy hats, were part of the crowd as well: Eva Cain, Sofie Merrigan and Maren MacLean — all 13 years old and seventh-graders at McMurray Middle School. Their signs, focusing on the strength of women and girls, helped carry their messages. Maren said one of the reasons she marched is that women deserve rights just like men have. Sophie shared similar thoughts.

“Women are people,” she said. “They should not be treated differently than anyone else.”

Eva spoke up about her experiences, from being at school to watching the news, and seeing that girls and women are often treated as though they are less important than boys and men. She also mentioned President Trump, noting that his actions toward women are not acceptable, and she and her friends wanted speak up about that, too.

“We can do that by being in a women’s march,” she said.

While Sophie attended the historic march in Seattle last year and they considered going to Seattle this year, the march here at home was fine with them. They were pleased with the turnout and happy to see so many people in pink pussy hats.

“It was amazing,” Sophie said.

Meanwhile, many islanders — three school buses full — left the island at 7:45 a.m. Saturday to take part in the Seattle Women’s March 2.0 there.

Islander Susie Kalhorn arranged the transportation for islanders this year. She did so, she said, because she felt exhilarated by the march last year and did not want that level of consciousness to fade away. She was inspired at the march again this year, when she and her husband found themselves near the head of the march, just behind Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and near the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s group that led off the march. One moment she witnessed encapsulated the spirit of the day — and struck a chord.

“I felt lifted up by seeing an openly lesbian mayor introduce her partner to a Muslim activist, as we supported the native population,” she said. “I felt really moved by that moment.”