DES MOINES, Iowa — Saturday night marked exactly 100 days until February’s Iowa Caucus, and Democratic presidential candidates had the chance to stand out in front of thousands at the annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner.

More than 6,600 people attended the Des Moines event that has historically been important to candidates leading up to the Iowa Caucus, including 2007, when then-Sen. Barack Obama stood out at the dinner over John Edwards and Hillary Clinton.

Those not seated at a dinner table sat in bleachers reserved for supporters of each of the candidates. Sections competed to outdo one another throughout the evening, with many people chanting and waving signs and glow sticks.

The dinner followed multiple rallies that took place in the area, including former Secretary of State Clinton’s, where pop star Katy Perry — who also attended the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner — performed. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ campaign included a plane flying over downtown Des Moines with a “Feel the Bern” sign trailing behind.

The opening ceremonies included remarks from Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Andy McGuire, Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, and the introduction of candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The presidential candidates then each spoke for approximately half an hour.

Bernie Sanders

Sanders’ speech included a theme focused on the consistency throughout his political career.

Sanders said he went against the majority on multiple occasions, including when he voted against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996. The bill was passed with a majority of 342 to 67 in the house and 85 to 14 in the Senate. Sanders said he voted against the deregulation of Wall Street while he was in Congress in 1999.

Sanders also touted higher minimum wage, reconstruction of infrastructure and the overturn of the Citizens United Supreme Court case in 2010.

“I am the only Democratic candidate without a Super PAC,” Sanders said, a comment that was received by an enthusiastic crowd of supporters.

Sanders left the fenced-in dining area at one point during the dinner to visit his supporters in the bleachers, where they flocked to him.

“From what I could tell, he had the most energetic group of supporters,” said Jeff Rohrick, a Sanders’ supporter from Des Moines.

Martin O’Malley

Former Gov. Martin O’Malley, D-Md., had a speech motif that focused on action, not words.

“Not all of us have a record of getting things done. I do,” O’Malley said, advertising his time as governor.

O’Malley called for a raise in minimum wage, advancing the cause of paid family leave, making college more affordable and expanding Social Security. He also called for moving the United States toward a clean electric energy grid by 2050.

The former governor praised Obama’s record, but told the audience that the country elected a president, not a magician and reminded it that there was work to be done.

“I am in this to win this,” O’Malley told the crowd. “I need your help.”

O’Malley’s bleacher section was noticeably not as loud as the other candidates’ sections, but he did have supporters in attendance.

“I think he’s honest and for the American people and willing to work very hard for them,” said Ruby Millsap, an O’Malley supporter from Malven, Iowa.

Hillary Clinton

Clinton worked to differentiate herself from her husband and Obama by saying she’s not running for their third term.  

“I’m running for my first term, and I’m running as a proud Democrat,” Clinton said.

If elected as president, Clinton — among talking about other issues — promised to seek comprehensive immigration reform, to address the plague of gun violence and to overturn the Citizens United decision.

Clinton made a point of saying that she did not think Obama gets the credit he deserves.

“I think it’s really important in this election to remember what President Obama inherited,” Clinton said. “He inherited the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.”

Clinton also addressed being accused of playing the gender card by Republicans. She told the audience that if talking about certain issues was playing the gender card, they could deal her in.

“I’m listening to you. I’m fighting for you,” Clinton said, adding that with Iowa’s support, she would deliver.

Clinton supporters often broke out chanting, “I’m with her.”

“She’s the most experienced candidate who can speak to issues both domestic or foreign,” said Barb Madden-Bittle, a Clinton supporter from West Des Moines.

The dinner arrived after a week filled with news about the Democratic race. Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday he would not launch a campaign, while on Friday, former Gov. Lincoln Chafee, D-R.I., dropped out of the race.

Former Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., dropped out of the Democratic race Monday, saying he would look at his options — including a possible independent run. 

Both Chafee and Webb were scheduled to speak at the dinner but cancelled after their announcements.

The dinner also came after new polling numbers showed Clinton maintaining a slight lead over Sanders. A Des Moines Register/Bloomberg Politics poll released Thursday morning showed Clinton with 48 percent support of caucusgoers, compared to Sanders’ 41 percent. O’Malley registered support from just 2 percent.