THE NEWS DESK
The News Desk is a collection of news, notes and breaking items affecting the Fredericksburg community.
Michelle Obama cancels Fredericksburg event
MORE: Read more news from Fredericksburg
RELATED: See more UMW news
UPDATE: Because of the shootings in Colorado, First Lady Michelle Obama has canceled her scheduled appearance in Fredericksburg today. Campaign officials said they didn’t know if or when the first lady’s visit might be rescheduled.
Clarice Brown of Culpeper chats with Randy Paris of the Obama presidential campaign to learn the news that First Lady Michelle Obama's visit at the University of Mary Washington for today was canceled. / Photo by Robert A. Martin
FOR MORE INFO: my.barackobama.com/page/s/flotus-fredericksburg-july-20
Fredericksburg is scheduled to play host to First Lady Michelle Obama at 6 p.m. today at the University of Mary Washington.
The pre-program was announced this morning.
No tickets remain for the event, which is to be held in the Goolrick Hall gym on the UMW campus. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw is slated to welcome Obama to the city.
No road closures have been announced, but police say to expect some rolling roadblocks as the first lady’s motorcade arrives in Fredericksburg.
WEATHER: Showers and strong storms are possible this afternoon, and a Flash Flood Watch has been issued.
UMW plans to have the back gate of the campus open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Here’s the latest from UMW on the parking situation:
Parking for this event is in the UMW Parking Deck and surface lots located off Alvey Drive which is accessible from U.S. 1 just north of its intersection with College Avenue. If overflow parking is required, drivers will be directed to alternate UMW parking lots.
The Parking Deck at Eagle Village is NOT open as a parking venue for this event. The first and second floors of the Eagle Village Parking Deck are open for those patronizing Eagle Village merchants; the top three decks remaining are for use by UMW students and guests of Eagle Landing. Unauthorized users of the Eagle Village deck and surface parking lots are subject to towing at the discretion of Eagle Village property management.
There is some off-street parking available along College Avenue as well, but restrictions apply. Check out the signs.
Parking restrictions also will remain in place and will be enforced in the neighboring College Heights subdivision, said Natatia Bledsoe with the Fredericksburg Police Department.
