ELECTIONS

Trump takes over small city in South Carolina show of force
His appearance was a shot across the bow in a critical primary state with two home-grown contenders.

By NATALIE ALLISON
07/01/2023 05:02 PM EDT
Updated: 07/01/2023 08:59 PM EDT

{snip}

Trump in SC: Crowd of 50,000 packs Pickens. More than 50 treated for heat-related illness

Bob Montgomery
Herald-Journal

Published 7:05 p.m. ET July 1, 2023 | Updated 8:22 a.m. ET July 2, 2023

Trump headlined the Pickens Independence Day Spectacular, and supporters came as early as Friday to Pickens in hopes of being among the first on Saturday to see the former president, who is leading in the polls among GOP presidential candidates.

Supporters traveled from as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Indiana and Florida to attend the rally. … By daybreak Saturday, lines of people stretched all the way from East Main Street down Hampton Avenue, and along East Cedar Rock Street. At 9 a.m., the gates on East Main Street opened and people were screened by the Secret Service upon entry.

Parking was at a premium. One church offered free parking, but accepted donations. Others with lots charged for parking. At one spot, spaces were being offered for $60. … Vendors lined Hampton Avenue, selling everything from Trump shirts and hats to bottled water, ice cream, mini-donuts, roasted corn and bottled honey. By afternoon, volunteers for the Trump campaign were handing out free bottles of spring water.

Closer to the stage on North Lewis Street, vendors were selling lemonade, burgers, chicken tenders, smoked sausage, soft pretzels, sweet tea and Gatorade. … Pickens Police Chief Randall Beach estimated a crowd of 50,000 showed up on a day when afternoon temperatures soared into the mid-90s, causing dozens of people suffer from heat-related illness.

{snip}