Mister Bush attended the Ag Warriors Gala. The gala was held to officially launch the International Agri-Center's Ag Warriors Program, which is designed to help train military veterans and place them in jobs within the agriculture industry.
According to preliminary numbers released by Expo staff, about 2,600 people attended the gala.
Bush's visit was all the buzz on the expo grounds leading up to the start of the Ag Warriors Gala, expo staff said.
Scott Korthuis, who was in Tulare from Washington State to promote ag harvesting equipment at the expo for Oxbo International, decided to buy himself a ticket for the gala.
"I'm here now and he's here. So, I decided this is the opportunity to hear a President," said Korthuis.
During the ceremony, Adam Sabourin was recognized as an Honorary Ag Warrior. The valley native says he flew Black Hawk helicopters in the military for several years before making the transition into agriculture once he got out of the service.
When he heard about the Ag Warriors Program, Sabourin says he wanted to do what he could to help promote it.
"Ultimately, veterans are knowledgeable people and can be trained and know how to receive direction and take direction. But they pick up on things very quickly. And they'll do the same thing in our industry," said Sabourin.
Ticket's for Wednesday night's gala ran from $50 up to $25,000 for a front-row table, expo staff said. The top seats included a meet-and-greet with Bush, a picture, and an autographed copy of his latest book, they said.
Katie George was disappointed that she was going to miss the festivities. She decided not to buy a ticket to the gala because there was a possibility that she might have to work.
"He was an awesome President and he's supported all the ideas that my husband and I do and we miss him," said George.