Like many area residents, Larry Uhrig hoped to meet - or at least catch a glimpse - of vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin when he learned she was planning a Sunday stop in Marietta.
But with no advance notice of where or when Palin would show, Uhrig and others said they were more frustrated than excited by the visit.
"I understand they have busy schedules and they would rather have an audience of 20,000 people than what you might get at something like this, so why even announce it?" Uhrig asked.
Uhrig, 45, of Marietta, rode his bicycle to L.E. Huck and Sons Farm Market after he learned Palin's motorcade had stopped there. He was one of several individuals who arrived just minutes after she left.
"I rode my bike because I heard there were so many cars I wouldn't be able to park," he said. "I would like a chance to meet her or hear what she had to say."
Palin's campaign officials notified local media and Republican party officials Friday there would be a stop in Marietta, but offered no details of the visit.
Even on Sunday, Palin's officials didn't seem to know where or when they would be stopping. The Times was notified to be in Porterfield at 2 p.m.; to be at the Washington County Courthouse at 3 p.m.; to be at Starfire gas station on Muskingum Drive at 3:40 p.m. and finally at 3:45 p.m. - just minutes before Palin's arrival - to get to Huck's farm market.
Steve Hobkins, 44, of Marietta, was someone who wasn't looking to meet Palin, but ended up spending a few minutes making small talk with the governor. Hobkins, a Democrat, was working the cash register at Huck's when Palin stopped to buy a few gallons of apple cider.
Palin asked Hobkins if he was the owner of the farm market as she checked out.
"No, I've only been here a few months. I was laid off from RJF (International Corp.)," Hobkins said.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Palin said. "John McCain and I will be working on that for you."
Hobkins said had he not been so surprised by the visit he may have asked Palin some questions about how she intended to help.
"I'd like to know what her plans are for the economy, gas prices and health insurance," Hobkins said, noting he lost his benefits when he lost his factory job.
During the Marietta visit Palin only made small talk with the public, and reporters were not permitted to ask questions.
Elsewhere, dozens of people had gathered Sunday at Sweetapple Farm near Vincent after hearing from Palin's camp that there would be a stop there. And over 100 people gathered at a welcome center on Interstate 77 just north of Marietta, where Palin also was expected to stop.
The motorcade did go by the rest stop, but did not stop.
