SAN ANTONIO -- Thousands of people gathered in Alamo Plaza in anticipation of the San Antonio Tea Party protest over government spending and economic policies.

The crowds were swelling since midday, and while local organizers expected at least 10,000 people to attend, crowd estimates placed the number at more than 13,000. The San Antonio protest wasn't the only one of its kind in the area, as at least 300 people attended a similar meet in New Braunfels while hundreds were expected Wednesday evening in Boerne for their own team party protest.

"It's the Republicans, it's the Democrats, it's whoever is trying to use more authority than they have been given by the constitution and those who are spending our money," said veteran Nanette Turner at the San Antonio event. "If you spend our money on frivolous things, then as far as I'm concerned I'm against you."

Fox News host Glenn Beck broadcast his show during the SA Tea Party, and singer and commentator Ted Nugent performed throughout the afternoon.

The crowd arrived at the downtown plaza in New Braunfels for the event that started at 11 a.m. Protestors said the rally is aimed to send a message to lawmakers -- that they're taxed enough already. The Tea Party was among hundreds nationwide, and 235 years after the original Boston Tea Party tax revolt.

Protestors said the events will give them a chance to voice their opposition to big government spending and vent their frustrations.

"Everything we see coming from Congress right now is not good for the common American person, like myself," said Kenneth Yaw.

Those in the crowd also said they're fed up with losing retirement savings and are concerned about federal stimulus spending and rising taxes. Organizers said the Tea Parties are not targeted specifically at President Barack Obama's administration or current members of Congress, but to previous administrations as well. They added that the bottom line is that people are upset about government spending.

Many protestors said that they should be able to decide for themselves how they want to spend their hard-earned money.

"I can't believe in my lifetime we are losing our society to big government, who has not been able to run anything efficiently," said Carolyn Herbert who protested in New Braunfels.