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Thousands expected to attend Seattle women's march, events this weekend

Thousands are expected to attend a women’s march in Seattle Saturday that will leave from Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill and end with a rally at Seattle Center.

More than 100,000 people were estimated to have attended last year's march, a day after Donald Trump's inauguration as president.

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Women's marches and demonstrations are planned across the nation this weekend, primarily on Saturday, Jan. 20.

New this year in Seattle is a day of "action events" on Sunday, Jan. 21, hosted by Seattle Womxn Marching Forward. Events include discussions and workshops on healthcare, education, housing, voter registration and other topics as well as a film screening, book launch and potluck.  Find the full schedule of events across Seattle here.

Women's March 2.0 supports women's rights, civil rights, racial equity and a number of other causes, according to the Facebook page for the event.

PHOTOS: 2017 women's march on Seattle

As of Thursday morning, the Facebook page for the march said about 19,000 would attend with another 41,000 interested.

A counter-rally is planned by pro-Trump group Patriot Prayer, which describes itself as a right-wing group out of Portland.

A page for the event says participants are going to "promote freedom" and encourages those attending to bring flags and wear distinctive clothing.

This year's women's march, which is sponsored by the Be the Change Network and about a dozen other organizations, says the event will start at 10 a.m. with speakers, performers and musicians at Cal Anderson Park. The march to Seattle Center begins at about 11 a.m. The end time is 3 p.m.

See a map of the march route below.

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Once marchers leave Cal Anderson Park, they will head to Pike Street before turning right onto Fourth Avenue. Marchers will enter Seattle Center on Thomas Street.

At noon, Fourth Avenue will close north of Pike Street to all traffic for the duration of the march.

Participants are encouraged to use Seattle's light rail system to get to Cal Anderson Park, which is close to the Capitol Hill Light Rail Station.  Sound Transit said it will operate extra light rail trains to accommodate the crowds.

People can also ride Metro and Sound Transit buses to downtown Seattle and join the march from there.

Metro buses will operate on a normal Saturday schedule and will have additional buses as needed on routes 8, 41, 44, 101, 150, 255, RapidRide C, D, and E Lines. Sound Transit Express Routes 512, 550 and 554 will also operate extra service, and additional buses for Pierce County riders will be available as needed.

More information on bus service during the march can be found at Sound Transit's rider alerts page and Metro's Service Advisories page.