Dozens rally downtown for Bernie Sanders

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The presidential race fever appears to be catching on in Bakersfield, if at least for a moment. Around 200 people rallied and marched at a Bernie Sanders event as the turn out appeared to surprise Sanders' supporters.

"The purpose of the rally is to gather attention to the people of Bakersfield that we're here that there's progressives here, it's not just a conservative county," said John Hendrickson who attended the event at the Liberty Bell.

An ethnically diverse crowd cheered as short speeches were given extolling the virtues of Sanders, who is vying to be the nominee of the Democratic party for president. Sanders currently trials rival Hillary Clinton in the number of delegates needed to secure the nomination.

But supporters were in high spirits as they chanted slogans and began a march from the Liberty Bell on Truxtun and Chester Avenues and headed toward the First Friday event being held nearby. At Truxtun and Eye Street, they were met by 8 people with signs protesting against Sanders. The protesters were part of College Republicans of CSUB. A press release sent by the group said they were there to protest against Sanders and to support Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and John Kasich.

When the two groups encountered each other, Sanders' supporters gave flowers and hugs to the College Republicans.

"This is what democracy looks like! People talking and not fighting!," shouted one Sanders supporter.