Several hundred people marched out of Civic Center park and through downtown Saturday afternoon, joining Occupy Denver’s eighth consecutive Saturday march.

The crowd — one of the smaller of the weekend gatherings — was jovial and energetic as it waited to leave the park.

Police officers were in patrol cars and on bikes throughout the park.

Before leaving the park, demonstrators were urged to remain peaceful and reminded to respect fellow demonstrators who may be protesting a different idea.

The crowd cheered as car horns blared in support, and chants echoed in the park as protesters urged people to return every Saturday.

“We will see the spring come, and we will see our numbers increase,” one demonstrator said into the megaphone.

The diverse group gathered peacefully, some adorned in costumes and others carrying new or refurbished signs.

One man pushed a little girl in a stroller, with a sign attached to the back that read, “Please don’t pepper spray me.”

After maneuvering their way through downtown, the protesters assembled in front of the west steps of the state Capitol.

Protesters remained peaceful as they took turns speaking on the megaphone. Some read poems, others had prepared statements and several demonstrators spoke about shopping next week on Black Friday — asking everyone not to shop the day after Thanksgiving.

A few protesters lingered in Civic Center during the march and speeches.

Jordan Steffen: 303-954-1794 or jsteffen@denverpost.com