THE NEWS DESK
The News Desk is a collection of news, notes and breaking items affecting the Fredericksburg community.
First lady’s fans line up to grab tickets for Friday speech
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BY ROBYN SIDERSKY
Hundreds of Fredericksburg-area residents lined up Wednesday morning in the heat to get their hands on a ticket to see first lady Michelle Obama when she comes to town Friday to campaign for her husband.
Mrs. Obama will speak in the Goolrick Hall gymnasium at the University of Mary Washington at 6 p.m. Friday.
The distribution of the free tickets started at 11 a.m., but supporters were in line as early as 8:30 a.m.
Throughout the day, the line wound around the Obama campaign office building in Central Park.
Some ticket-seekers brought chairs; others brought books. Jean Williams of Spotsylvania County was one of the first in line, and she was proudly sporting a shirt bearing a likeness of President Barack Obama’s face.
She said she has never seen Michelle Obama in person, but she really likes her.
“She’s an all-around awesome wife, mother and first lady,” she said.
Andrella Hall of Stafford County and her two children, ages 11 and 15, were at the front of the line with Williams.
“This is the first opportunity for the children to see her speak,” she said.
She said Mrs. Obama seems to be sincere and charismatic. Shavon Williams of Fredericksburg had a similar opinion of the first lady.
“I think she’s an amazing speaker and phenomenal woman,” Williams said. “When I found out it was right here in Fredericksburg, I said I have to get in line in the morning.”
Brenda Dixon of Spotsylvania said she plans to take her daughter and her Girl Scout troop to the speech because she thinks Mrs. Obama is a good role model.
“She shows younger girls they can do whatever they want,” she said.
She said she supported the president in the last election and plans to do so again in November because he “looked out for the average citizen.”
Aimee Kelly of Fredericksburg said Friday’s speech offers a good opportunity to see someone who is involved in important policies and programs. She said she feels strongly about the first lady’s initiative to fight childhood obesity.
Sara Coswell, a teacher at Rocky Run Elementary in Stafford, also likes Mrs. Obama’s healthy-eating initiative.
“I do like that she has that program in schools to get kids active, give kids options,” she said.
Robyn Sidersky 540/374-5413
WANT TO GO?
WHEN: Friday; doors open at 2:30 p.m., speech is at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Goolrick Hall gymnasium, University
of Mary Washington, 1301 College Ave.
FOR MORE INFO: my.barackobama.com/page/s/flotus-fredericksburg-july-20
