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LEBANON — When nominees for president and vice president come calling with just three days notice, area organizers say they face a daunting task to prepare for the visit.

The McCain/Palin campaign announced Saturday afternoon that Arizona Sen. John McCain and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin would be making a stop in Lebanon on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Since then, officials at all levels have been working on the logistics of traffic, travel and security to ensure a smooth visit.

"It's been a whirlwind," Lebanon Mayor Amy Brewer said Sunday.

The visit by the Republican Party ticket is most immediately felt at The Golden Lamb, the historic restaurant on South Broadway that McCain and Palin will visit Tuesday. Currently undergoing a $5.5 million renovation, construction crews worked feverishly Sunday to make the front of the building sparkle.

"It's a Lebanon project, not a Golden Lamb project," said owner Steve Mullinger.

"The Golden Lamb is the home of presidents," said General Manager Tyrone Borger. "It's very exciting to think we could potentially be receiving a visit from our thirteenth president, and maybe even the fourteenth with Gov. Palin."

Officials said that McCain and Palin are visiting Lebanon because of the importance of Ohio in the election and the strong Republican base in Warren County.

"Lebanon represents a wonderful, hometown, American community," Brewer said. "I think that hometown feeling is a connection to what McCain and Palin stand for."

In addition, campaigning in the region is a good strategic move, according to Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel.

"Warren County is kind of the heart of southwest Ohio," Hutzel said, "and that's the heart of where McCain needs to be to win."

Lebanon officials said they expect 5,000 people to attend the event. Broadway between Main and Mulberry streets will be closed beginning at noon today until after the visit is completed, officials said. Main between East and Sycamore streets will close Tuesday morning.

Businesses between Main and Mulberry on Broadway — as well as city hall — will be closed Tuesday morning. Parking will be on a first come, first serve basis.