Thousands of supporters of former President Donald Trump gathered in 90-degree heat in Butler County on Saturday, waiting in anticipation for the Republican presidential candidate to arrive as momentum builds for Trump’s official nomination next week.

The rally at the Butler Farm Show complex in Butler Township comes just two days before the start of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Supporters braved the intense heat Saturday but appeared to be excited by the fair-like atmosphere.

“I believe in Trump, I appreciate everything he stands for,” said George Crusan, 69, of Clearfield County. Crusan traveled about two hours to hear Trump speak. He said he believes that Trump will improve the economy if elected. He also said an important reason to support Trump is to address the U.S.-Mexican border and deal with “the invasion from the south.”

Sawyer Reed 25, of nearby Karns City, said he was excited for his first Trump rally. He said he likes the former president because he is “not a career politician.”

He said the main reason he supports Trump is to see domestic oil and gas production open up again.

Domestic crude oil production hit all-time records in December, as did natural gas production, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The rally comes two weeks after a presidential debate that was widely considered to be won by Trump. Since then, turmoil has hit Democratic Party, with growing speculation and pressure for President Joe Biden to drop out.

The president has vowed to stay in the race.

As supporters took their positions in the fairgrounds lawn, a video played that pointed to Biden’s record, mostly criticizing Biden’s fitness and his gaffes. The crowd booed loudly.

Butler County and rural Southwestern Pennsylvania are crucial for Trump’s election chances. The greater Pittsburgh region is home to the most Republican voters in the state.

Trump easily outpaced Biden in Butler County in 2020, capturing 65% of its vote compared to 33% for Biden.

But Gov. Josh Shapiro and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, both Democrats, improved on Biden’s margin in 2022, with Cranberry and its surrounding towns shifting toward the Democrats.

The former president’s visit Saturday is the first to Southwestern Pennsylvania since 2022, when he rallied for Republican candidates in Westmoreland County.

Trump is expected to talk sometime after 5 p.m.

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