Spectators wait for President Gerald Ford's helicopter to arrive for a campaign stop at the Spruce Pine, NC, Airport in Avery County. Ford left Asheville for Spruce Pine, but had to turn back because of heavy clouds. He then drove to his appearance, the first in Avery County by a President. Encouraged by his advisers to cancel the event, Ford said, "The people are waiting in the rain, and I promised that I would be there." Building in background reads "Brad Ragan Inc.," with banner reading "NC Mountains and Jerry Ford: Clean and Honest." Filed under "James Holshouser."
