Thanks are due to the Lawrence Police Department, city officials and others for their quick response to the demands associated with Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards’ visit to Lawrence Sunday. The efforts of many people helped the impromptu event run safely and without incident.

Plans for the hastily conceived visit seemed to change by the minute. The Edwards family decided Saturday to come to Lawrence. A stage was erected in Buford M. Watson Jr. Park overnight, but a downpour left planners in a quandary. Mike Elwell happened upon the scene and offered Abe & Jake’s Landing as a possible venue. Security checks were done, and within hours the move was made.

When more than 2,000 people showed up for a facility that could accommodate only 720 people, law enforcement dealt with the situation and organizers swiftly moved to broadcast the audio of Edwards’ speech outside. More than 1,000 still were on hand, filling the Riverfront parking lot and overflowing to the City Hall grounds, when Edwards went outside to deliver brief remarks.

The efforts of organizers and law enforcement handled the crowd, allowing as many people as possible to participate in the event without any serious mishaps.

The series of events that led to Edwards’ visit on Sunday provided an interesting campaign vignette, but it could have been a disaster without the efficient support of so many in Lawrence. Good job!