KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Thousands of supporters welcomed President Donald Trump to Missouri on Thursday nightduring a rally at Columbia Regional Airport just days before Election Day.
Despite cold and rainy weather for much of the day, long lines of people waited hours in the parking lot to get a spot inside the hangar for the event.
Organizers expecting at least 10,000 people for @realDonaldTrump rally at @FLYFROMCOU @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/ukN2OI3G9x
— Tom Dempsey (@KCTomDempsey) November 1, 2018
Organizers estimated that around 10,000 people attended.
“I’ve been to a lot of sporting events in this college town and I’ve never seen so many people in Columbia in my life,” said Trump supporter Vince Kolb, who traveled to the rally from Lake of the Ozarks. “It’s kind of like being at a Super Bowl. I’ve been to a Super Bowl and the excitement is that level.”
Thousands of attendees were spotted wearing hats and t-shirts in support of the president.
With Election Day less than a week away, supporters knew the significance of the visit from Trump.
“I think the business with Judge Kavanaugh just proved it even more of how important it really is,” said supporter Kris Snapp.
Souvenirs, hats, shirts, music..one @realDonaldTrump supporter compared the feeling here to being at the Super Bowl pic.twitter.com/mR2COKC8yv
— Tom Dempsey (@KCTomDempsey) November 1, 2018
Many attendees who spoke to 41 Action News said immigration was the top issue of the next election and they hoped to hear President Trump discuss his plans for it moving forward.
“We think he is amazing. We fully support the way he feels about border control,” said supporter Shelly Corbin. “I’m so amazed. I don’t care if I’m out in the rain. It’s a bright day and it’s a day for hope.”
Others, like Vince Kolb, hoped to hear the president discuss jobs and the economy.
“It’s very important for the Republican Party and I’m sure that’s why he’s here,” he said. “I like Donald Trump. I’m a businessman and my business is as good as it’s been in years and years.”
A look at the line of @realDonaldTrump supporters at @FLYFROMCOU 7 hours before rally here pic.twitter.com/bbaSDqdmUh
— Tom Dempsey (@KCTomDempsey) November 1, 2018
As Election Day draws closer, supporters hoped the show of spirit in Columbia would carry over to next week.
“If this stimulates you to vote then it’s well worth it,” said supporter Gerry Snapp.
President Trump’s visit to Columbia served as one of around a dozen that he will make around the country in the days leading up to Election Day.
On Nov. 5, President Trump will return to Missouri for an event in Cape Girardeau.
Information for the event can be found here.
