Saturday, July 03, 1999
Hazard putting on a show, but president is headliner
The Associated Press
HAZARD, Ky. — From city workers to local musicians and thespians, residents are busy sprucing up streets or rehearsing for their own roles in President Clinton's visit to this Appalachian community.
Firefighters hosed down Main Street, and workers planned to set up a podium normally used during the city's annual Black Gold Festival.
“Have you ever tried to ride a wild horse?” asked Mayor Bill Gorman. “That's what planning for this has been like.”
Mr. Gorman estimates as many as 30,000 people will come to this town of about 5,400 to hear the president speak Monday afternoon.
White House officials said Thursday that the president will speak about 3 p.m. The town will begin a program welcoming the president at 12:30 p.m.
The afternoon will include theatrical performances and pieces from the Hazard High School marching band.
“It's a lot of hard work getting this all together,” said band instructor Steve Miniard. “But it's definitely worth it.”
That sentiment was expressed by other residents.
“I just want to get out there and shake his hand,” said Arvin Bishop, 64. “This is the greatest thing that's ever happened here.”
Not everyone is so proud.
“I'm not really impressed with it,” said Robert Terry, 52, who was watching the firefighters prepare the town for the visit. “If it was someone else, I might be. I'm just not impressed with Bill Clinton or his morals.”
Others were simply indifferent.
Murray Walker, 34, said she would be more impressed if regular people could talk with him.
The visit kicks off a four-day tour by Mr. Clinton promoting his “new markets initiatives” program.
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