Tuesday, September 28, 2004
All except traffic smooth for rally
By Sheila McLaughlin
Enquirer staff writer
WEST CHESTER TWP. - Take a presidential campaign rally of 50,000, put it in a booming suburb, wrap it up during rush hour, and you're guaranteed a traffic headache.
But that - and some line jumping - were the most serious problems Monday during President Bush's late-afternoon stop at Voice of America Park off Tylersville Road.
Officials closed the gates at 3:45 p.m., about 45 minutes after the scheduled time, and no one was turned away, Police Chief John Bruce said. The police estimate of more than 50,000 put it well above the previous largest rally of the re-election campaign - 32,500 in Missouri.
"It ran very smoothly. We didn't have any problems at all," Bruce said.
Police were out early to patrol the park, and trucks, trailers and SUVs were parked in blockades.
Medical emergencies were few, although about 30 people were treated for bee stings, heat exposure or sprained ligaments, Fire Chief James Detheridge said.
It took about 90 minutes to empty the fields of traffic.
---
E-mail smclaughlin@enquirer.com
ELECTION 2004
Bush derides Kerry, and crowd loves it
Photos from Monday's rally
Bronson: 50,000 Elvis (Bush) fans can't be wrong
Spectators pleased with Bush appearance
By the way, elect my friend, Deters
All except traffic smooth for rally
Poll workers in short supply
Ballot access goes to court
Byrd urges vote for Kerry
Kerry taunts opponent in Wisconsin
Election 2004 page
TOP LOCAL HEADLINES
Ky. teachers cry for relief on health insurance
Teachers do the math, protest cost of health coverage
Teachers' rallies show anger throughout Ky.
Photos from Monday's protests
Elder students warned after shooting death of classmate
Elder student remembered as peacemaker
Smoking bans don't hurt business, economists claim
Complaint says prosecutor violated code of conduct
People who trim city's parks had to be trimmed
Study: One-fourth of area lives with high diesel levels
Ruling may free judges' speech
Traficant's seat was open too long
Bones found at Longview not human, coroner says
Local news briefs
KENTUCKY HEADLINES
Development officer hired
Public records fight now on appeal
Keeneland will test electronic system
Kentucky National Guard assists in hurricane relief efforts
EDUCATION
Jacobs High will get new building
Three Rivers district seeks to replace treasurer
NEIGHBORS
Wilmington College kids savor growth experience
One-day closing set for Railroad Avenue
GOOD THINGS HAPPENING
Foundation donates to kids
LIVES REMEMBERED
Estelle Brown, 99, restaurateur