WOODWARD, Okla. — When this middle-of- nowhere town invited George W. Bush to its Fourth of July celebration, no one really expected the former president to accept. But he did.
Now this community of 12,000 is scurrying to get ready for what some locals are calling the biggest thing ever to happen to Woodward, a place where cattle outnumber people.
“To actually come to a small community like this, that shows his character,” said Kelle Robinson, co-owner of Sweet Surprises, a store that has been turning out U.S. flag cookies. “He’s not too good for the common people.”
The paid speaking engagement at Woodward’s Let Freedom Ring 2009 celebration will mark Bush’s first Fourth of July since he left the Oval Office. He is scheduled to speak Saturday night. About 9,200 tickets have been sold. The two-day event will also feature country-music performers Tanya Tucker and Asleep at the Wheel.
