About 1,800 people unable to enter Show Me Center for Palin appearance

About 1,800 people, some who had waited in line two-and-a-half hours Thursday, were turned away from the Show Me Center and directed to watch Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's speech on a Jumbotron TV.

At about 9:30 a.m., doors to a packed Show Me Center closed and remaining ticketholders were directed to an overflow area next door at Southeast Missouri State University's recreation center.

As the news spread, the orderly line broke as people -- some running -- rushed the doors to hear the beginning of the speech. Others left the area entirely.

Recreation center staff counted 1,855 people, but Recreational Services director Troy Vaughn said that "a lot came in and left." He estimated just under half the people stayed.

While people chanted and clapped, the crowd was considerably more subdued than the one hearing the speech in person. Some people took pictures of Palin displayed on the screen, and others waved flags.

At the end of the speech, Palin made an appearance in the overflow area, reaching over a barrier to shake hands and pose for pictures.

"There were way too many people. We almost gave up. But we knew if we stayed we'd get to see some of her. We caught a glimpse," said Pilar Berry, who came with her mother and her two children.

A large crowd formed early. A line wrapping around the front of the Show Me Center stretched down New Madrid Street to a bridge by 6:30 a.m., when the doors were scheduled to open. Secret Service agents had a limited number of hand-held scanners to use, and security processing went slowly.

By 8:30 a.m., the line snaked down New Madrid Street, through two parking lots at the recreation center and over to a ravine behind the lots. People in the line appeared upbeat, but expressed concern about whether they would get in. Some were frustrated when they heard reports that a majority of the Show Me Center seats were still open.

"I thought it would be more organized than weaving in and out of traffic. But I'm glad to see so many supporters," Jon French said.

Just after 9 a.m. the entry process was abbreviated and people were hurriedly escorted inside, just in time for Palin's 9:30 a.m. address.

Still, not all the people made it in. Many expressed disappointment.

"We didn't get up and drive all this way to watch it on TV," said Jennifer Dunivan of Farmington, Mo.

She said she was in line by 6:30 a.m. When she and her husband neared the entrance, she said she saw another entrance open. "Somebody questioned an official, and they said 'Yes, you can go either way.' So we went this way, and it was the overflow," she said.

Misti Redus was not deterred. "I would have loved to see her speech in person. But I'm not disappointed. We still get to experience the excitement. It's our vote that counts," she said.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

388-3627