This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The most hard-core fans of former President George W. Bush began lining up at 11 a.m. Thursday for a Friday afternoon book signing expected to draw hundreds.
"I've always wanted to meet a president, any president," said Jake Stone, a disc jockey at Mix 107.9, who landed the first place in line at the Costco in Sandy.
Stone came prepared. Besides a chair, he brought a generator, a sleeping bag and a laptop computer, and was streaming online live.
Beginning at 1 p.m. Friday, Bush will spend about two hours signing his new book, Decision Points. Scott Christensen, manager of the Costco warehouse store, said the former president can sign between 250 and 300 books an hour.
That means between 500 and 600 people will get about six seconds of face time with Bush.
"I suspect there are going to be more people in line than he's going to be able to meet with," Christensen said.
About 40 people were in line at 5 p.m. Thursday under threatening clouds. They were bundled in sleeping bags and blankets against the wind. Most had garden chairs and some had tents ready to unfold in case of rain.
Many regular Costco shoppers simply shook their heads as they walked by the early line sitters, with their thermoses of hot chocolate and stores of food.
Tammy Woolley drove up from Nephi for the book signing because "my husband is an unbelievably big fan of President Bush. This will be his Christmas present, and he will be so surprised." She added that he is out of town, "so this worked out great."
Ricky Wilkinson lives in New York City, and happened to be visiting friends in Utah.
"They said Bush is in town and signing autographs, so we should go. I didn't realize at the time that he won't be here until tomorrow. But I don't have anything better to do."
The store will begin passing out wristbands at 8 a.m. Friday. Those who get a wristband will be screened by the U.S. Secret Service and allowed into a controlled, secure area.
"The president is going to be totally secluded from the general warehouse public," Christensen said. "Obviously we can't put everyone through a metal detector who walks into the building."
Reporters and photographers will be kept in a separate holding area away from the president and will have 10 minutes to observe Bush from a distance of about 20 feet before they are escorted out.
Utah Republican Party Chairman Dave Hansen said Bush doesn't have any other events scheduled while he is in town. Members of the state's congressional delegation and their guests have the opportunity to meet with the president, Hansen said. —
How it works
The Sandy Costco, 11100 S. Auto Mall Drive, will begin distributing wrist bands at 8 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Store officials estimate former President George W. Bush can sign between 500 and 600 copies of his new book, Decision Points, during his scheduled 1 p.m to 3 p.m. visit