Scholastic Student Reporter Michael Cappetta with Jenna (left) and Barbara Bush at the Popcorn Shop on Main Street in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, on Saturday, September 4. (Photo: Courtesy of Michael Cappetta)

Saturday, September 4—When something big happens in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, it gets the whole town talking. And a proposed visit by the President of the United States certainly got the affluent community of about 4,500 residents buzzing earlier this week.

Thanks to scouting trips by the Secret Service and presidential advance teams, word got around fast. The rumors swirling through town were settled in most residents' minds on Friday when students came home from school with an announcement from their principals: "President Bush and his family will be stopping in Chagrin Falls for a quick trip to the Popcorn Shop."

A call to confirm the stop was not so promising.

"It's not a sure thing," said a campaign spokesman. "The buses will only stop if there's enough time in the schedule."

This Scholastic Student Reporter, who lives in Chagrin Falls, decided to take the chance and stay put rather than traveling 20 miles to a scheduled rally in Kirtland, Ohio. As it turns out, that was the right decision!

A Stop in Chagrin Falls

Chagrin Falls started off as a mill town in the mid 1800s. It is now a suburban community known for its beautiful homes and its quaint Main Street shops. The Chagrin River, with its picturesque large and small falls, winds through the mostly Republican village.

The Popcorn Shop on Main Street was the stop that interested the President. It is usually filled with locals and tourists looking for ice cream and sweets. On Saturday, the Bush family brought their appetites to the Popcorn Shop. The brief stop was made during a Bush-Cheney '04 campaign bus tour though Ohio called "A More Hopeful America."

But before the President and his twin daughters Jenna and Barbara, could grab a few tins of popcorn and a handful of candy, Chagrin Falls had to prepare.

Police officers and city workers were called in from their Labor Day vacations to make the city ready. When Saturday came, the village was fully decked out with flags, proudly displaying the community's patriotism.

Supporters lined the streets chanting "Four more years!" as the campaign buses drove through town. On the other side of the street, a group of Kerry supporters chanted "Four more months!"

Before the President's arrival, police officers pushed back the crowd in front of the Popcorn Shop. Suddenly, a police car appeared, escorting two big travel buses with "A Safer World, A More Hopeful America" painted on their sides. A familiar voice was then heard on a loudspeaker thanking voters for their support. President Bush was in town.

The President gave a big wave to the community, then shook some hands and walked inside. He bought several tins of popcorn—with his own money—as well as some other snacks. He talked to some of the customers inside the shop, and ate some candy. Also inside the shop were Jenna, Barbara, and First Lady Laura Bush.

When the group prepared to leave, this reporter snagged a snapshot to treasure. Jenna and Barbara invited me to take a picture with them for Scholastic News Online.

Within 10 minutes, everyone was back on the bus, waving goodbye—and they left with some of the world's best popcorn.