Obama speaks to large crowd in VB

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - President Barack Obama spoke to a large crowd gathered at Farm Bureau Live in Virginia Beach Thursday.

Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) introduced the president at the campaign event.

Air Force One departed from Andrews Air Force Base around 10:45 a.m. and landed at Naval Air Station Oceana shortly before 11:30 a.m.

Virginia Beach District Fire Chief David Hutcheson estimates 7,000 people are in attendance at the Farm Bureau Live event.

Attendees of the campaign rally began lining up as early as 6 a.m. to secure their seats to see President Obama. Chopper 10 flew around the amphitheater Thursday morning and captured last minute preparations for the president's visit.

Gates opened around 7:45 a.m.

If you attended the event, please send your pictures to reportit@wavy.com .

Photos: President Obama at Farm Bureau Live

Signs were posted Wednesday warning drivers about delays due to heavy traffic around the time the gates of Farm Bureau Live open. People who work nearby and students are urged to allow extra time during the morning commute in that area.

WAVY.com obtained a letter sent home to parents of Landstown Elementary School students:

Good evening parents. This is Mr. Wroton, principal of Landstown Elementary School calling to inform you of possible traffic concerns that may affect our school tomorrow, September 27. President Barack Obama will be holding a rally at Farm Bureau Live. As a result, Virginia Beach Police anticipate there will be increased traffic in the area during school arrival times and the midday transitions for kindergarten. We don’t know the full duration of this event, but anticipate it could extend into the late afternoon. Please be aware that traffic patterns and flow may prolong travel times to and from school and school bus schedules may be disrupted. We hope this will help you plan accordingly. The police department said they will provide extra assistance with traffic during these times. Thank you and enjoy your evening.

Vincent Morgan is planning to attend the event because he says its a part of history plus he's excited to see the President return to Virginia.

"I think my state is a very important state and I think the fact that he's taking time out of his busy schedule to come visit us lets me know how important we are to him," Morgan said.

The president was at Norfolk State University earlier in the month and GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney was in Virginia Beach earlier this month as well.

Both presidential candidates have campaign events in Virginia Thursday. Romney spoke to veterans at American Legion Post 176 in Springfield.