Sarah Palin to Speak to Public Before Norman Book Signing

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- Sarah Palin's book signing tour is set to make a stop in Norman tonight and eager fans braved the cold overnight to ensure their spot in line.

The doors opened at 6:30 a.m. Thursday at Hastings book store to give out wristbands. Store employees say all 500 wristbands have been handed out for the 7 p.m. book signing, but Palin will speak to the public at 6 p.m. outside the store, 2300 W. Main.

Chris Gregg was the first in line. He waited throughout the cold night to meet Sarah Palin and get her to sign his copy of "Going Rogue" for his wife.

"I got out here at 3:30 in the afternoon. My wife loves Sarah Palin. I wanted to show my wife I was dedicated and show her something special. I wanted to make sure I had her spot first in line," Gregg said.

As someone who formerly spent time serving the in Marines, Gregg said he was prepared to battle the cold weather overnight.

"It's cold, but it could've been worse," Gregg said.

Most in line came prepared to keep warm. Wanda Martin consulted with her husband who is a hunter.

"He knows what we need to stay warm. I've got this hat on, a scarf. Then I have a sweatshirt. Underneath that I have body armor. I've got sweat pants and two pairs of thermal socks. To top it off, I bought these boots from Walmart that are supposed to withstand temperature as low as 5 below. I'm ready," Martin said.

By 8 p.m. Wednesday night, 50 people had already marked their spot in line.

"It's been fun getting to meet a lot of people. We all love Sarah Palin," Martin said.

Hastings plans to have tight security for Palin's visit. Store officials will pass out 1,000 wristbands and said those with a wristband will be the only ones admitted to the book signing.

The fact the line began the afternoon before the event is little surprise to those waiting who say Palin has their support and of course has already garnered large crowds at her other signings.

OU Student Travis Ruddle said he doesn't mind it taking up two days of his time.

"I don't have any class tomorrow, but I still would've been here otherwise for Sarah Palin," Ruddle said.

More: Norman Prepares for Sarah Palin's Visit