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CHARLOTTE -- Despite colder weather and a possible crackdown by city officials in January, Occupy Charlotte protesters are pushing forward -- with meetings, fundraisers and eventually what they say will be a showdown at the Democratic National Convention.

Compared to October, when the occupation began, fewer tents dot the old City Hall lawn at 600 E. Trade St. Fewer people attend the daily meetings and fewer show up for protest marches.

So far this month, protesters have demonstrated in the city's banking district and at the headquarters of Duke Energy.

But the numbers are down.

On Oct. 8, when the Charlotte movement officially began, a crowd of 500 to 600 joined protesters during a march on the city's banking district.

Four months later, the occupation could face losing its base camp as Charlotte City Council members are expected to discuss possibly removing the remaining campers during a January council meeting.

But, for now, protesters say the determination to continue remains unchanged, even strengthened.

"We've started realizing that there was way more people here that weren't for the movement," said Steve Barker, 28.

Barker was one of a dozen protesters who attended a recent general assembly meeting, where, among other topics, the group discussed the possibility of joining a coalition of protesters at next year's convention.

The coalition already includes the South Carolina AFL-CIO, Students for a Democratic Society and the International Action Center.

Although Occupy Charlotte members have made no decision about joining the coalition, they have teamed with other protesters in the past -- welcoming protesters from Kansas, Oregon, Maryland and California.

Occupy Charlotte also issued a joint statement with a local tea party group, denouncing the city's deal with Chiquita Brands. Protesters said the money and millions in tax incentives given to Chiquita should have been given to small businesses here.

Next up for the Occupy protesters is a community outreach festival, scheduled for Jan. 8 at the group's Trade Street location.

Although Occupy Charlotte members said they'll be sought out by many groups during the lead-up to next year's convention, it's unclear whether Occupy Charlotte will keep its presence at the uptown park until then.

So far, tents on the green space remain unscathed and have even begun winterizing with the addition of large plastic tarps to keep heat in and precipitation out.

"(Winter)'s going to be difficult," said Barker, who occasionally sleeps at the campsite. "But what we're trying to change is going to be difficult."

The Charlotte site is in stark contrast to occupations elsewhere. Since November, police have closed camps in Oakland, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Boston among other cities. Last week, police in riot gear kicked out Occupy Denver protesters, some of whom were arrested while others set tents on fire or fled.

Occupy Charlotte member Denise Marks said evictions, especially forceful ones, can galvanize a movement.

Protester Don Faix said those who sleep at the site could beat the cold. He's less optimistic about winning the battle with city council and staying at the campsite.

"I would give them the odds," Faix said.