Norman resident Chris Gregg arrived at Hastings at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday and set up camp for the chance to meet Sarah Palin today.
He was the first to get in line and expected to spend the next 28 hours at the book store, all to have his book signed by a woman he described as down-to-earth.
"She can tell about things that make sense and relate to the things we've done," Gregg said.
He'll be the first in line when the store hands out 500 wristbands starting at 6:30 a.m. Wristbands guarantee a book signing, but there will be another standby line in case Palin can meet with more people.
Gregg wasn't alone in his enthusiasm to see the former vice-presidential candidate and Alaskan governor when she arrives at 7 p.m. today to sign copies of her memoir "Going Rogue: An American Life." About 24 hours before Palin is set to arrive in Norman, the line of people camped out to see her stretched from the front of Hastings, 2300 W. Main St., down the sidewalk to Party Galaxy.
Some had brought tents, one brought a brazier and everyone brought warm clothes and lots of layers. Hastings' restrooms and cafe were set to remain open all night to accommodate the campers.
April Bowers of Norman got in line shortly after Gregg to see Palin. She said Palin's visit to Norman was "a historic event" that she wouldn't miss.
Annette Ehardt of Norman lined up with her sleeping bag at about 5 p.m.
"I just want to come out and support Sarah Palin," she said. "I purchased her book and I want to get to know more about her."
Ehardt said the country wanted change, but isn't happy with the change that it got. She said she sees hope for America's political future in Palin.
"I believe she's headed the right direction," Ehardt said.
Ted Sholette of Norman said he would vote for her, which he guessed he may have the chance to do in the presidential election in 2012. Sholette arrived at Hastings at 5 p.m. Wednesday. He waited until he got off work, but because he's self-employed he decided to cancel work Thursday in order to wait in line for Palin.
"She's very genuine," Sholette said. "I think the common person can relate to her. I think she's old-fashioned, and I think the majority of the people in the U.S. are old-fashioned."
Those who didn't camp out for a wristband Wednesday night still will have the chance to see Palin. Even those too far back in line to have their book signed will be able to see her when she arrives. She should arrive between 6:30 and 7 p.m. today. Before she enters the store, she will address the crowd in front of Hastings briefly, said Jarrod Church, assistant store manager.
Because of the large number of people expected to turn out for the book signing, Hastings has issued a number of rules for the event:
At the book signing, Palin will sign only copies of her books that have been purchased at Hastings. A receipt is required. The signing is limited to her signature only, no personalization.
Each person with a wristband is limited to two copies of "Going Rogue." No memorabilia or additional items will be signed.
Cameras are allowed at the event, but not near the signing area. Guests are only allowed to carry copies of the book with them to the signing area. Hastings asks guests to leave any bags or purses in their car or be prepared to check them at the bag-check area inside the store.
Gifts or other items customers wish to leave for Palin will be collected by Hastings staff and delivered to Palin at the end of the event.
The store will remain open during the event.
Julianna Parker Jones 366-3541 jparker@normantranscript.com
Local news
Palin arrives in Norman today
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