Dozens of people bearing banners and signs showed up Saturday morning at Erie Canal Harbor’s Commercial Slip for a health care reform rally.

The rally was organized by Western New York Organizing for America, grass-roots supporters of President Obama’s health care reform bill. Participants included labor organizations and community groups.

“It is so important that we stand strong together to let our representatives know we need health care reform now, and a public option must be part of the bill to keep costs down for families, businesses, and government and to keep the insurance companies honest,” said Avery Alexander, organizer of the rally.

Speakers on hand also included Rep. Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo, and Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, D-Buffalo.