story by Kim Souza
ksouza@thecitywire.com
Freezing weather and the potential for winter precipitation did not deter hundreds of people from waiting in line for almost two hours to get a glimpse of former President George W. Bush at his book signing in Bentonville on Saturday, (Nov. 15).
President Bush said he chose to pen his father’s memoirs in part because George H.W. Bush — 41st U.S. President at age 90 has not done so himself. The book signing for “41: A Portrait of My Father,” took place at the Walmart Supercenter on Walton Boulevard after the former president was a special guest at the retailer’s monthly Saturday morning meeting at the corporate offices across street.
The book covers the entire scope of the elder President Bush's life and career and shines new light on the accomplished statesman known best by his family.
Event security was high. Shoppers who purchased the book ahead of time were given a red wrist band which they had to present at the store with their book before they could get in line for the signing. The crowd began to gather in the store around 8 a.m. for a signing which began at 10 a.m. The parking lot was full by 9 a.m. Overflow parking was also full at the Peel Mansion and on the grassy areas between the fueling station by 9:15.
Keith Branson and his 10-year-old son Tucker from Siloam Springs were some of the first people to get into the private signing quarters which took place in the garden center of the supercenter. Branson said they got to the store around 8 a.m., and they wouldn’t miss an opportunity to see President Bush even if it was just a quick exchange.
By 9:15 the line began snaking around the massive store weaving in and out of nearly every aisle in the general merchandise section of the store. The scene looked like a Black Friday event except for the higher security and individual searches conducted by the Secret Service. Numerous local enforcement officers were also in attendance to help with crowd control.
The massive garden center where of the holiday seasonal merchandise is displayed was cleared and closed to the public during the signing which wrapped up around noon. Wal-Mart declined to say how many additional store staff was called in to help with the event, but corporate spokeswoman Kayla Whaling said reinforcement was brought in from other area stores to help with crowd control.
“We know how to hold these types of events,” she added.
David Orrick drove from Fort Smith and left his home around 6:30 a.m. and arrived at the store around 8 a.m. He purchased his book at the electronics counter and got in line. Orrick was one of the last red wristbands given out. Blue wristbands for the wait list were given after that time. Wait listed shoppers were not guaranteed to see the President Bush, because he was slated to sign books for two hours.
“It was great. I can check this off my bucket list,” Orrick said. “It wasn’t bad at all. The line moved rather quickly.”
The former president took time to greet each of the shoppers and look them in the eye as he signed book after book placed in front of him by event coordinators. Secret Service detail was within two-arms length of the president at all times during the signing.
Jim Gintner, from Cambridge, England, emerged from the signing room with two autographed books in hand. Gintner, visiting his friend Dean Goodman of Bella Vista, said he never dreamed he would get see a U.S. President during his month-long visit in the states.
“We heard about it on the television yesterday, so we ran over here and purchased the books last evening around 9 o’clock. I am a fan of President Bush. I volunteer at the World War II 100th Bomb Group Memorial and helped the U.S. team with their publication design and photo restoration,” Gintner said.
He said every other year the 100th Bomb Group volunteers meet in a different U.S. city for a reunion. In 2001. He said they met in Omaha shortly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attack.
“President Bush sent our organization a letter of thanks for our volunteer efforts to keep the memory and honor of the 100th Bomber Group alive. That memo was signed by the President and dated Sept. 11, 2001. When we read this memo and remembered the magnitude of what happened that day, we were in awe,” Gintner said. “To meet this U.S. President in person is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for a Brit like me. It caps off a wonderful visit to the U.S. and a completely unexpected last-minute surprise. … I returning home tomorrow.”
Marilyn Phillips, a recent transplant to Bentonville, volunteered in President Bush’s campaign when she lived in Minnesota.
“I can’t believe he’s really here. I wouldn’t have missed this,” Phillips said as she made her way to his signing table.
Jennifer Green and her young Republican friends from the University of Arkansas were also excited as they entered the signing room around 10:15 a.m. She purchased two books, one for herself and a Christmas gift for her dad.
“Who wouldn’t want a chance to meet a U.S. President,” Green said.
At 80, Danniella Signorino said she couldn’t believe she was able to meet President Bush. She was with her family who recently located to Northwest Arkansas from Long Island, N.Y.
“I have waited a long, long time to meet a U.S. President. It’s a first for me,” she said. “It was a great pleasure.”