Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump drew protesters and the curious, as well as supporters, at his Wednesday evening appearance at the State Fairgrounds in Little Rock.
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The billionaire businessman has been criticized by many Republicans and Democrats for his unapologetic bravado.
Some on hand Wednesday said they were there just to see the show.
The candidate, known for his energetic, and at times, controversial public appearances, didn't disappoint in delivering on what some attendees called the "wow" factor.
Beau Sanson, 27, a Democrat from Vilonia, said he will be supporting Democrat Hillary Clinton in this year's races, but he couldn't miss the opportunity to see "The Donald" in the flesh.
"I'm here for the people-watching," he said. "I've enjoyed it. I just met a man in a minuteman outfit. It's great."
He said he's enjoyed watching Trump emerge as a candidate and the way Trump has jolted the Republican Party establishment, as well as its evangelical Christian base.
"Basically, Trump has a tendency to appeal to hard-core conservatives and moderates. You've got a good mix of both here," Sanson said. "I think he's got a chance [to win in Arkansas]."
Members of a grass-roots opposition group lined Roosevelt Road, holding signs and soliciting honks from passing cars.
"Make America great again!" one man yelled from the back of a pickup.
"It already is great, you dumb butt!" one protester responded.
Some protesters offered "hugs" to "angry" people waiting in traffic to get to see Trump. Others just waved or flashed obscene gestures as attendees honked.
Amy Spears, 24, said the moment she heard that Trump was coming to Arkansas, she decided to set up a Facebook group to oppose him. Within days, there were thousands of members. Late Wednesday afternoon, about 80 showed up to voice their opposition to Trump.
"I feel like his rhetoric is prehistoric," Spears said. "He comes off as racist -- no, he is racist."
Spears said she has heard people say they like Trump because he isn't afraid to speak what he feels. She sees that is an excuse for some Trump supporters to behave badly.
"It's not about being politically correct or saying what's 'on your mind,'" Spears said. "It's about being a decent human being, and he is not."
In addition to supporters and detractors, there were profiteers.
Several vendors set up among or near the protesters, selling various Trump items, ranging from hats and buttons to soccer-style scarves.
Ariel -- who declined to give her last name -- and her husband, Tommy, have been following various campaigns for months selling campaign-themed materials.
Ariel, who said she lives in Sarasota, Fla., said they are nonpartisan and sell materials for all types of candidates, but that Trump definitely is good for business.
"For now, we're following a no-snow rule [for touring]," Ariel said. "We do all of the crowds but so far, Trump has the biggest crowds."
Ariel also offered more colorful fare, ranging from bedazzled denim ballcaps to a Star Wars-themed T-shirt. On the shirt, Trump is depicted as Luke Skywalker, and Clinton is Darth Vader. President Barack Obama is the Sith Lord, Ariel explains.
"Make the republic great again," she yelled to would-be buyers.
Metro on 02/04/2016