Picnic with Obama at Headwaters Park
An estimated crowd of over 4,500 enthusiastic supporters turned out today to hear Barack and Michelle Obama speak at Headwaters Park in downtown Fort Wayne. Indiana's NewsCenter has video available.
The line to enter the event started in the parking lot to the south of the Lincoln Pavillion. It then followed the sidewalk on the west side all the way to the bridge before turning around and following the same sidewalk back to the west pavillion entrance. This photo shows the two way line if you look carefully. Security personnel were thorough, efficient and personable at the entrance.
It took me three attempts to get a half decent picture of Michelle as the crowd swarmed around her at the front. I'm still not sure how we were able to work our way up to that point, but once there, you weren't going anywhere. It was like a rock concert with fans pressed against one another like sardines, all vying for a handshake or that perfect photo.
I got several decent up close shots, and Jody was fortunate enough to get to shake the hand of our next president.
This is a shot of the crowd inside of the pavillion. All of the tables were filled as were several long rows of extra chairs near the west entrance. Note the masses of people standing along the north (back) side in this picture.
I don't often take pictures of t-shirts, but this one says it all - "I'm not voting for a pastor. I'm voting for a president".
Labels: fort wayne, Headwaters Park, Obama