Clark County Trump rally draws thousands, backs up traffic

Both supporters and protesters turned out as the Republican presidential nominee visits Clark County Fairgrounds.

Donald Trump’s visit to Springfield backed up traffic near the Clark County Fairgrounds before and after the rally, but law enforcement reported no major problems.

About 8,500 people attended the Republican presidential nominee's rally at the Champions Center at the Clark County Fairgrounds on Thursday. It's the second visit in two weeks from the major political candidates. Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine held a rally in downtown Springfield last week.

DETAILS: Trump targets NAFTA, immigration, Clinton at Clark County rally

Some drivers had long waits to get into the event and some even parked along the ramps on Interstate 70. A few hundred people couldn’t get in after capacity was reached, Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly said. More than 40 deputies worked the scene.

Traffic on High Street backed up about half a mile from the entrance to the fairgrounds before the event

Buses from Reid School were among the vehicles waiting to get onto Interstate 70 after the rally finished about 3 p.m. Bus drivers reported some traffic but no big problems, Clark-Shawnee Superintendent Gregg Morris said.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported no major problems with traffic but it did take about an hour and 20 minutes to get everyone out of the fairgrounds, a dispatcher said.

Springfield resident Michelle Butler and Columbus resident Bob Aubuchon were the first people in line at 5 a.m. Doors opened at 10 a.m.

RELATED: Clark County Ballot Watch

“I wanted to be first line in to see our next president,” Butler said. “He’s going to take America back.”

Trump’s speech pleased his supporters. He touched on several topics, including illegal immigration, repealing Obamacare and term limits on Congress. The speech was worth the wait, Springfield residents Bill and Pat Roberts said.

“It’s what he’s been running on,” Pat Roberts said. “That’s what I like about him. He tells it like it is.”

Springfield resident Susan Parrett, a union employee at Navistar and traditionally a Democrat, loved the speech, especially bringing back jobs to the United States.

“I’m really hoping he gets in,” she said. “We really need a change … We need jobs back on this side of the border.”

The event also saw several protesters, including Jacob Davidson, an 18-year-old Springfield High grad who was outside the fairgrounds with a sign that read “Dump Trump, Hillary for Prison.” Davidson was excited to vote for the first time but said he can’t support either major candidate.

“He’s racist, sexist, also he just doesn’t like anyone that doesn’t agree with him,” he said.

Springfield resident Gyasi Jones, 37, was escorted out of the event because he booed too loud, he said. Jones, a Clinton supporter, was there to peacefully protest and said he booed but didn’t make any derogatory comments.

“He has no experience about running a country,” Jones said. “I wanted to voice my opinion.”

About the Authors