Acknowledging the sharp political divide surrounding a visit from President Donald Trump, City of Port Huron leaders are framing this weekend's appearance as a high-traffic business event.
The city said in a Facebook post, the president is coming to McMorran Place Arena, located just south of the Blue Water Bridge, for a midterm election rally on Sunday, October 25.
"A historic week ahead! Our team is hard at work preparing to welcome the President of the United States for the first presidential visit in Port Huron and St. Clair County history," the post read.
In an email to Sarnia News Today, Port Huron City Manager / Chief Administrative Officer James Freed encouraged community members to look past political rhetoric.
"Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, a visit from the President of the United States is a historic and consequential moment for any community. We are honoured to welcome our president and proud to host him here in Port Huron," said Freed.
"My hope is that this visit shines a national spotlight on the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the hardworking moms, dads, and families who call Port Huron home. At the end of the day, we may have different political beliefs, but we are all Americans. The presidency is bigger than any political party, and it is with tremendous pride that we welcome the Office of the President of the United States to our city," he added.
Freed also shared an email with Sarnia News Today from Port Huron's Downtown Development Authority Director Lisa DeLong, asking downtown businesses to anticipate large crowds.
"With an anticipated attendance of approximately 4,000 people, plus potential overflow crowds, we expect a significant increase in foot traffic throughout downtown," DeLong said.
She said the visit could present a valuable opportunity for local businesses, particularly restaurants and food service establishments.
"We encourage restaurants that are typically closed on Sundays to consider opening for the day and ensuring adequate staffing and inventory to accommodate the anticipated demand. Visitors attending the event may be looking for places to eat before and after the speaking engagement, creating an opportunity to welcome new customers and showcase what downtown Port Huron has to offer," DeLong added.
She too encouraged local shop and restaurant owners to stay focused on commerce rather than controversy.
"Regardless of political affiliation, a large-scale event like this brings people into our community and provides an opportunity to support our local economy," DeLong said. "We want to help our downtown businesses prepare, make the most of the increased activity, and leave visitors with a positive impression of Port Huron. Please consider your hours of operation, staffing needs, food and supply inventory, and any other preparations that may help you take advantage of this opportunity."
According to gop.com, doors to the event open at 11:30 a.m. with remarks beginning at 3 p.m.
"Join us for a Midterm Rally taking place in St. Clair County, Michigan on Sunday, October 25, featuring President Donald J. Trump," the event details said.
Registration was requested, with a maximum four tickets allowed per signup.
In a news release, the Port Huron Police Department said it was hard at work coordinating with numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in preparation for the upcoming presidential visit.
"Our department is committed to ensuring a safe and successful event for everyone involved, including those attending the event, local residents, and businesses," read the release. "We encourage everyone to follow the Port Huron Police Department's official Facebook page and check back frequently for updates as information becomes available. Plans will continue to develop as the event approaches, and we will do our best to keep the public informed."
Several roads around the arena will be closed to traffic on Sunday. The City of Port Huron has issued an updated map for residents and visitors.
In the November 5, 2024 presidential election, St. Clair County, Michigan voted heavily for the Republican Party.
Donald Trump and JD Vance captured 64,277 votes, while Kamala Harris and Tim Walz of the Democratic Party received 30,844.
Last summer, Freed spoke with Sarnia News Today after a Canadian flag was hoisted for the first time at the Municipal Office Centre in Port Huron.
He called it a visible "gesture of support" for their Canadian partners.
"The Port Huron economy is economically interdependent with the City of Sarnia," Freed said. "We rely on the Canadian workers and Canadian shoppers in Port Huron. So, it was a simple gesture. Something we could do to show our Canadian friends that we support them and that they're welcome here."
He described the decline in Canadian shoppers in downtown Port Huron as "dramatic", saying residents in Port Huron and Sarnia were stuck in the middle as the ongoing tariff disputes dragged on.
"At the end of the day, we've always been friends with our Canadian partners. We rely on them and we want them to know we're thinking about them and they're welcome here," Freed added.
Former President Barack Obama will headline a campaign rally in Detroit, Michigan, on Saturday, October 24. He will appear alongside Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, Democratic nominee for Governor Jocelyn Benson, and other state candidates.
