HICKORY, N.C. — In front of a crowd of 30,000 people, President Donald Trump held a rally in Hickory.

What You Need To Know

  • President Donald Trump had a rally at the Hickory Regional Airport

  • 30,000 people attended

  • It was a chilly, windy night in the 50's

  • Last sitting president to visit was Gerald Ford in the 1970's

People started lining up to get in around 10 a.m. to see the president, It was scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. but was delayed for an hour. The line was at least a mile long and the checkpoints included temperature checks.

Security kept lawn chairs and outside food from inside the event. The only thing people could bring was water in plastic bottles.

There was a small section for sitting, but the majority of the crowd stood. It was a windy night, and one of the risers was knocked over, but no one was hurt. 

Republicans Dan Forest and Thom Tillis both spoke at the rally. Both candidates are also on the ballot. Forest is running for governor and Tillis is efforting to keep his spot on the U.S. Senate.  Supporter Franklin Graham also delivered a quick prayer at the event.

Hickory assistant city manager Rodney Miller says having Hickory in the national spotlight is appreciated.

"The last time a president visited I don't remember because I was born in the 70's but this is awesome to have the president and everyone here," he said.

Hickory's leadership acknowledged the lack of masks in the crowd, but added it's out of their control.

President Trump talked about manufacturing and keeping jobs in the USA, Hickory is know for its local furniture makers. He spoke for about 30 minutes.

President Trump will be back in North Carolina Monday. Melania Trump is also expected to be in Huntersville as well.