Presidential Visit Short Term Cure for Cabin Fever

By
Teresa Bertossi
– 02/11/2011

Obama’s 2008 campaign was one of hope and change. Has he lived up to his message? Maybe, maybe not, but politics didn’t seem to matter too much when President Obama visited small town Marquette. Although the President visited the U.P. to promote his Wireless Innovation and Infrastructure Initiative on the campus of Northern Michigan University—that might have been the last thing on everyone’s mind. Whether greeting him at the airport, sitting in the crowd during the President’s address, standing on the streets holding signs, or racing out of the beauty parlor in curlers, UP citizens were aglow with a contagious energy.

A smiling Donckers' candy store clerk relates Obama's rebuff of an eponymous burger and a veggie sandwich, before settling on some chocolates for his family; Photo Gabriel Caplett

“Almost as soon as it was announced, I think a feeling of pride went through a lot of people, and everyone was talking about it and hoping they’d get a chance to see him speak. I think it rises above party lines and we’re all happy to host his visit,” said Kurt Mensching, a substitute teacher and writer to the Detroit News.

Obama’s visit came at just the right time, in the dead of winter and amid below-zero temperatures—‘just what the doctor ordered’ to cure some Northwoods cabin fever.

Here are more photos of local people excited to be a part of Obama’s visit to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Some of the many fans of clean water smiling at a welcome rally; Photo Eeva Miller

Locals welcome Obama at Sawyer International Airport; Photo Teresa Bertossi

This post was written by

Teresa Bertossi – who has written 22 posts on Headwaters - Community Journalism for the Great Lakes.

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