Hundreds of Freezing Fans Give Sarah Palin Warm Welcome

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- Like the bitterly cold weather, the now famous big blue tour bus blew into Norman with full force, and when Sarah Palin stepped off, she got a warm welcome from hundreds of Oklahomans.

The 45-year-old former Governor of Alaska had her son, Trig, in her arms and did not address the cold crowd in the parking lot as expected. Instead Palin went right into the Hastings book store and began signing copies of her best selling book "Going Rogue."

Face-to-face fans were only given a few seconds each with Palin. No cameras were allowed and for the media on hand, Palin did not take questions. In fact, only camera operators were allowed inside the store. Reporters were told to stay outside.

Outside, Palin supporters showed off their autographed books and said meeting the former vice presidential candidate did not disappoint.

"It was incredible. She is amazing and it was totally worth the wait," said Austin Bolding, who was able to get his book signed by Palin.

Some fans waited for up to 30 hours in the cold to get one of the 500 wristbands that guaranteed an autograph. Oklahoma State Rep Sally Kern was 12th in line.

Kern, who did not want to be shown on camera, and Palin were targets of nearly a dozen protestors who gathered nearby but were mostly ignored by Palin's people.

All those waiting in line were able to get inside for a signature.

The next stop on Palin's tour is Texas.  She'll be in Dallas and Fort Hood Friday.

More: Sarah Palin to Speak to Public Before Norman Book Signing