Massachusetts

Hype Builds in Manchester, New Hampshire, Ahead of Thursday's Trump Rally

For those coming to Manchester for the rally, street parking will be available on streets that aren't closing down

President Donald Trump is coming to New Hampshire for a rally Thursday and the hype was building even the day before.

Protesters are mobilizing, supporters lining up and police are preparing for a busy day near the SNHU Arena in Manchester.

Supporters began lining up before dawn on Wednesday. The "Keep America Great" rally begins at 7 p.m. Thursday. (See street closures below.)

They're planning to camp out overnight to make sure they're front and center to see Trump tomorrow.

"If you aren't in line, the deluge will show up, and you will miss the opportunity to get in," said Jennifer Axon from East Hampton, Massachusetts.

She woke up at 3 a.m. Wednesday and arrived to the Arena 36 hours before the president will take the stage.

"I've watched the president's accomplishments, I looked past the buzz and the fake news, and I am here to support him always," Axon said.

Darlene Weeks was also in line more than 24 hours before the president was expected to take the stage.

"I love Trump," said Weeks. "I just want to see him. I don't care if I had to sleep out here for two weeks."

"I've been to five rallies during the last election," said Lois DeYoung. "The man is amazing. If you don't like him when you go in, you'll love him when he comes out because he talks to you."

From the tents to the T-shirt sales, it's clear that supporters are looking forward to seeing their president in person.

"He's just doing a phenomenal job," said Karen Desautels of Greenfield, Massachusetts.

Meanwhile, on the other side, the signs are ready, the news conferences are underway and protestors are mobilizing.

"I think he's bringing the nation down the wrong path," said Richard Leonard. "Morally, politically, policy-wise."

"What we know is that 61 percent of Granite Staters think Trump is doing a bad job," said New Hampshire Democratic Party representative Holly Shulman. "We expect a pretty strong showing tomorrow."

The NHDP is joining several grassroots organizations for a demonstration outside the president's rally. At last count there were at least 500 RSVPs.

"We don't want his hate rhetoric, we don't want hate action, we don't like what he has done, what he has said or how he treats people," former U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter said.

"He's really despicable," Democratic activist Mary Rauh said.

Manchester Police Chief Carlo Capano tells us his officers are ready. They have beefed up security and will be keeping protestors in a designated area separate from supporters.

"Enjoy your time here, demonstrate, we understand that's going to happen, just do so peacefully," Capano said.

Trump's national campaign press secretary Kayleigh McEneny tells NBC10 Boston she's looking forward to sold-out event.

"We think it will be a great night, we're not going to let protests distract us, if they even exist," McEneny said on Wednesday.

People on both sides here say this is the privilege we get living in the Granite State — getting up close and personal with our president and all the candidates leading up to the election.

STREET CLOSURES

For those coming to Manchester for the rally, street parking will be available on streets that aren't closing down.

Those closures will begin at 2 p.m. 

  • Elm Street will be closed from Central to Auburn streets, with limited access for local business traffic.
  • Lake Avenue will be closed from Elm to Pine streets.
  • Chestnut Street will be closed from Central to Auburn streets.
  • Granite Street will be closed from Elm to Canal streets, though with parking garage access at the Doubletree Hotelm accessible from Granite Street, eastbound.

Local garages will be operating normally, with no lots designated for the event. There is no special shuttle service for the rally, with regular bus service operating around the road closures.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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