Two days before the Nov. 2 election, thousands gathered at Great American Ball Park to rally for President Bush. Campaign organizers created a festive mood for attending families, complete with carnival games and prizes, balloons, music and free United Dairy Farmers ice cream.

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Children were encouraged to come in costume. Many did, filling the stadium with princesses, witches and soldiers.

There were even a few tiny George W. Bushes running around. "I saw a few little Republicans-in-training," said Dave Carroll, clad in a cowboy ensemble while handing out marshmallow candy cones for the children.

Bush fans also enjoyed their $3.50 hot dogs. By 6 p.m., most concession stands were out of all food and beverages except for a few diet colas.

Bill McMillen was working one of the stands as a volunteer for the Knights of Columbus in Ludlow, Ky. The organization gets paid about $50 per person when their volunteers work a Reds game. "For this one, we're making a little more," he said, but did not elaborate.

At a face-painting station, children had their choice of designs: a ghost, bat, pumpkin, witch, cat or a big 'W.' "The Ws are by far the most popular choice," said painter Aimee Coyle, 19, of Clifton. "Almost everybody wants one."

A few adults were in full costume, too. One man dressed in an authentic-looking Elvis costume said, "Kerry might have the Boss, but we have the King."

Hundreds of Republican volunteers from Texas participated in the rally by handing out political literature. Retired Army Gen. Dave Palmer, 70, also the former superintendent of West Point, was part of that group.

"In Texas, even the Democrats vote Republican, so if you want to do any good, you have to get out of the state," he said. "We know Hamilton County is important to this election."

Volunteer Linda Ringler, 54, of Temple, Texas, has been working phone banks and knocking on doors in Ohio since Oct. 24.

"I thought I was going to lose some weight here by going door to door, but with the three-way chili, ice cream and those Montgomery Inn ribs, I'm going home with a few extra pounds and a lot of new friends," she said.

Country singers the Gatlin Brothers - Larry, Steve and Rudy of Abilene, Texas - took the stage for several songs, including Amazing Grace. They also gave a small speech about Bush's support for small businesses and professed their love for the area.

The stadium signs flashed frequent political messages throughout the rally, such as "W = win," "We love Laura" and Booo-sh/Cheney '04."

But while program emcee (and Reds announcer) Marty Brennaman spoke, the lights twinkled with a different message.

"And this one belongs to the president."

E-mail mdowns@enquirer.com