Not Your Average Monday at Mast General Store



Not Your Average Monday at Mast General Store

 

Only ten minutes before his arrival on Monday, October 17th, Mast General Store associates in Boone were told that the President of the United States would be “stopping by to pick up some candy.” What seemed like moments later, a quiet and sunny fall afternoon on King Street transformed into a Presidential parade of police cars, SUVS, and two large buses.

President Obama emerged from one bus and stepped into the Mast General Store Fashion Department, taking time to warmly and graciously greet all employees and guests. As he walked through the store, gazing at all the antiques along the walls, the President was overheard saying, “Gosh, what great atmosphere. This is a genuine old-fashioned store!”

Mast General Store associates led President Obama out of the Fashion Department and into the Candy Barrel where he thoughtfully selected treats for himself as well as his staff. (The Secret Service has quite the Sweet Tooth!) The President grabbed several handfuls of candy, among them were coconut macaroons, maple nut clusters, candy corn, and yogurt covered raisins.

He also purchased a small polka-dotted piggy bank as a gift for Sasha, who’s now receiving an allowance. The President’s last purchase was a keychain engraved with the saying, “A house is not a home without a dog.” Bo, the Presidential Family Dog, had a look-a-like in the store and the President quipped cheerfully to the pup and his owner, “Bo says hi.”

There was a touching moment in the Candy Barrel when a soldier, who served two tours in Afghanistan, saluted President Obama. The men shook hands, spoke intently for a few minutes, and the President sincerely thanked the war veteran for his service. There was not a dry eye for anyone who witnessed this exchange.

After holding an eager and friendly toddler, speaking with a few more guests, and paying for his purchases, President Obama initiated a group photograph with the store staff and waited patiently as everyone gathered for the picture. The President smiled widely, thanked the Mast Store associates for their kind welcome, and stepped back onto King Street to meet folks gathered outside to greet him.

This is not the first time that a political figure has swung by Mast General Store for a surprise visit. Former Senator, Member of the House of Representatives, and presidential hopeful, Bob Dole, visited the Boone store on August 7, 2001.

As a family company, we are proud that everyone feels welcomed at Mast General Store and makes a point to visit on their way through town.