Greeley hair salon owner Brian Ochoa has voted for both Republican and Democratic candidates in past presidential elections.
He's leaning Democratic this time, but he's nonetheless excited about President Bush's campaign stop in Greeley today.
In barbershops and restaurants around town, buzz about the historic visit — it's the first time a sitting president has visited Greeley in nearly 70 years — is pushing aside the typical autumnal chatter about the Broncos and dipping temperatures.
Kathy Fox, who was getting her hair styled by Ochoa at Cutting Edge Hair Design, 1301 9th St., said the visit puts Greeley on the map.
Ochoa said part of the excitement comes from the fact that the race is so close, and that people seem to be taking a strong interest in the election.
That's typical range of views expressed by clients at the downtown barbershop, where Hayes has worked for 14 years, the past four as owner.
A few doors up from the Coronado, the coffee bar at Woody's News Stand, 942 9th Ave., enjoyed a record sales day Thursday when tickets for the president's visit were distributed at nearby Weld County Republican headquarters.
"We were slammed," Woody's employee Peggy DeWett said.
DeWett has personal reasons to be excited about Bush's visit. Her 14-year-old son, Jesse, is a member of Boy Scout Troop 809 and will be in the color guard for the speech.
She said the overall mood of people waiting in line for coffee and pastries Thursday was anticipation.
They view Bush's visit as "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I'm going to take advantage of it if I can," DeWett said.
Jeanne and Ron Schuldt of Henderson were dining in The Kitchen, 905 16th St. near the University of Northern Colorado, on Saturday morning. Jeanne Schuldt said she's already cast her vote for Bush, but she's not interested in attending today's speech.