How to resolve AdBlock issue? Around 1,200 People Waited For Autographed Copies of Clinton’s “Hard Choices”
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Nearly 1,200 people stood outside Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs Tuesday morning, anxiously waiting for their turn to meet former Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Clinton visited Saratoga Springs to sign copies her newly released book, Hard Choices – ranked No. 9 on the New York Times best seller list. It’s is also her fifth book with publisher Simon and Schuster.
The ticketed book signing, which sold out in 12 hours, drew 1,175 people from across the region; many of whom had no problem waiting in line to meet the former first lady, former U.S. senator, and former secretary of state.
“We just moved here, but I’ve always been a huge Hillary fan from day one,” said Lara McBride. “I’m Canadian, my husband is the American. It’s the perfect time – I feel like Hillary is coming to welcome me!”
The crowd began lining up at around 8 a.m. Tuesday, with the line extending past the bookstore, down the block and around the corner. Friends Michele Martin and Cara Carley said meeting a potential presidential contender was worth the wait.
“I think we’re seeing the next President of the United States,” said Martin. “We’re going to be seeing the first woman President of the United States, I really do believe that will be the case.”
“I agree,” added Carley. “How many times do you get to say that you’ve talked with a President? Never – it’s very rare.”
Rachel Person, events and community outreach coordinator for Northshire Bookstore, says the book signing event ran smoothly and credits Northshire’s relationships with a variety of publishers in securing authors such as Hillary Rodham Clinton, Anne Rice, and Mitch Albom.
“The Northshire name really means something to the publicists that I’m dealing with,” said Person. “They know that we have a really strong track record of putting on big events, doing them well, bringing great crowds for authors and selling lots of books for our events.”
Tuesday’s event required the cooperation of various agencies including the Secret Service, Saratoga Springs Police Department, Saratoga Springs Fire Department’s hazardous materials team, and Hillary Clinton’s events team. The bookstore will reportedly pick up the tab on any overtime costs, according to Mayor Joanne Yepsen.
“People are so excited for these kinds of events and it’s a thrill to see,” said Person. “To me, that’s the really fulfilling part of doing this. Getting to meet someone whose words have really moved you – it’s a direct connection and it means a lot to people.”
Visit www.Northshire.com for future events.
