Clinton visit creates a stir for Mishawaka drivers, nearby businesses

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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Cars line the street outside Mishawaka High School as thousands of people packed the gym to see Sen. Hillary Clinton speak

Cars line the street outside Mishawaka High School as thousands of people packed the gym to see Sen. Hillary Clinton speak on Friday, March 28, 2008. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Mar 28, 2008 at 2:39 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 28, 2008 at 7:05 PM EST

MISHAWAKA — Sen. Hillary Clinton’s campaign stop in Mishawaka made for a hectic day near Mishawaka High School, which sits along busy Lincolnway East and is also in the middle of a residential neighborhood.

There wasn’t a spot open in the parking lot Friday morning. People attending the event and those who work nearby say being close to the action was exciting but a bit frustrating.

After setting up shop 20 years ago next to Mishawaka High School, Gary O'Dell thought he'd seen it all.

"It's different,” he told WSBT News. “I've never had anything quite like this before.”

But packed parking lots and crowded streets didn't stop O'Dell from serving at least one customer.

"He was able to make it through … just stopped by out front and told the man in charge at the street that they get their hair cut here and they allowed him to come in,” O’Dell explained.

Down the street at State Farm Insurance, customers weren't so lucky.

"People can still call me, I'm there,” said Jim Wold of State Farm. “There's no way to actually physically get to the office. There's no parking anywhere."

Cars lined the streets for blocks on every side of the high school. Some say finding a parking spot was tricky.

"There are a lot of yellow zones, a lot of no parking zones because of the time limit,” said Jamesha Reed. “So, it's difficult. It's a long walk, but it's worth it."

To be a part of a moment many say is a chance of a lifetime.

"We want to be part of history,” said Cece Pace. “This is our history, we're living it, in the moment."

"It was nice that they have the facility where they can have people come and enjoy this,” Wold said. “But it's definitely a part of history, definitely."

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