A Sesame Street caricature of Bernie Sanders incited honks of support from passing cars on Colfax Avenue during a march and rally for the presidential candidate at the state Capitol building on Saturday.

Community members used social media to alert Denver area Sanders supporters to meet at Cheesman Park around noon. A Facebook post said more than 1,000 people marched to the Colorado Capitol building, where they hoisted signs, encouraged honks from passing cars, chanted, drummed and chatted about their preferred candidate.

Sanders, an Independent senator from Vermont, is challenging Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination.

“I believe this man will change things in office,” said Chenelle Anson of Denver as she heaved a homemade Sanders sign in the air. “I’m here supporting today for the future of everyone’s children, including Trump supporters.”

As an enthusiastic roar of honking interrupted her, Anson beamed. “It fills my heart,” she said.

Daniel Vogelsang wore a Sanders T-shirt and talked to folks who came out to march.

Many brought props that marchers posed for photos with such as a life-size cardboard cutout of Sanders.

“This event was formed ad hoc to organize through social networks,” Vogelsang said. “That’s pretty cool. These are all just parties of one or two who came out. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a candidate able to rally a community like this.”

Social media plays a large role in the Sanders’ supporter community, Vogelsang said, adding that events around the city are posted frequently.

“You’ll notice there are many socioeconomic classes here today,” he said. “It’s very, very uplifting.”

Elizabeth Hernandez: 303-954-1223, hernandez@denverpost.com or @ehernandez