(COLORADO SPRINGS) — After being moved from its original location over protest concerns, an annual fundraiser for the Colorado Republican Party was held Friday, March 28 at Phil Long Music Hall, with protesters showing up in force to denounce former Trump advisor Steve Bannon. The Colorado GOP' s annual Centennial Dinner was originally scheduled at The Antlers Hotel in Downtown Colorado Springs, but was moved to Phil Long Music Hall due to protest concerns. Leading up to the event, activists online had called the event a "white supremacy gathering," after Bannon was accused of performing a Nazi salute at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February. The new venue came with added security from the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), though protesters came out in force to make their displeasure with Bannon's presence in Colorado Springs known. Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez RoweCourtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez RoweCourtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Several activist groups including the Colorado Springs People’s Coalition (CSPC) and No Small Acts organized the protests, "to fight against fascism" and denounce "reactionary policies" implemented by the Trump Administration. "I think having someone like Stephen Bannon representing them is a big mistake," said Mary, a member of No Small Acts. Also present at the event on Friday were counter protesters, some of which were circling the building in trucks and flying Trump flags. Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Steve Bannon has denied being a white nationalist, and said his alleged Nazi salute was simply a wave. ...read more read less