George W. Bush to spend 4th of July in rural US

2009-07-05 01:29:01 -

WOODWARD, Oklahoma (AP) - Former President George W. Bush is meeting with local and state officials in a rural Oklahoma town where his Fourth of July speech could draw more than 9,000 spectators.
Bush is scheduled speak Saturday evening inside a remodeled rodeo arena in Woodward, a town of about 12,000 residents in northwest Oklahoma. About 9,200 tickets have been sold for the event, which would be the biggest crowd for Bush since he left office in January.
State Rep. Mike Sanders said Bush met with supporters earlier Saturday and was given a key to the city by local officials.
Bush surprised city leaders by accepting their invitation to speak at festivities celebrating the $25 million renovation of a local park. Bush has turned up in a handful of out-of-the-way places since leaving office.