Presidential Visit

Yesterday was a big day for our little street in the North Valley.

As I took the kids to school, NPR talked about President Biden’s trip to the southwest, which was to include two fundraisers.

“One of those two will take place on our street,” we realized together.

 The first visit from Secret Service over the weekend gave us a sense of how big this was. The street would be shut down at times during the day, and we were told what we could and couldn’t do. The big offer was that we could take pics with the presidential limousine when the event was happening. A 50-car motorcade would come in with the President, and the attendees of the fundraiser would be bused in. Governor Lujan-Grisham and multiple Pueblo Governors were going to be in attendance as well.

Monday night, the Flegs were busy making signs to place in our front yard to help welcome the President.

"Welcome to our neighborhood Mr. President"

How it all actually went down? Well, you could get a better account of that from my family. (If you really need to know right away, go to Longfellow Elementary School today and ask for Sihasin or Shandiin. I am sure the Principal will be happy to pull them from their learning to talk to you.)

While I wasn’t there to see it all, but I do know that it took me an hour to get from “just around the corner from home” to getting to my house. As I approached our road, police were re-directing everyone. I found a place to park along a ditch and decided to try to walk home. On the way, a police vehicle stood blocking the trail. Even my proof of living on the street was not enough to get me past. The officer assured me, “Don’t worry. It is almost over,” as he listened to a play-by-play on his radio of what was happening at the event. 

“The President has just set down his glass. Oh, wait…he looks to be taking another sip after all. Now wiping his mouth with a napkin.” 

Exciting stuff!

After standing there for about 10 minutes, the motorcade began to exit our street. Neighbors stood in their driveways waving at the President as he waved back. I can at least say that I saw the President’s vehicle 100 yards in front of me, and can tell you that it was black and had tinted windows. Hey, that’s good enough for a tabloid story, right?

This morning, our street is quiet again. As if nothing happened.

And I am smiling, knowing that I will able to get to my house this evening.

Pic with the presidential limousine.

Biden waving from the back seat of the limo as he passes our house.