ASBURY PARK – As the sun started to peek out above the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday morning, a line began forming on the city's boardwalk.

By 1 p.m., that line was more than 1,000 people deep and stretching blocks from Convention Hall.

They were huddled together and bundled in blankets, but still smiling and laughing because they knew that the reward for their patience would come in the form of a chance to see President Barack Obama speak.

“It’s not a wait, it’s a party,” Asbury Park resident Juanita Barnes said.

Obama is scheduled to visit the city on Tuesday and speak at the same venue where the faithful spent hours waiting outside of on the chilly Sunday morning, from around 5 a.m. until after 1 p.m. when the tickets were distributed inside the Grand Arcade.

“It’s not grueling at all,” said Asbury Park resident Nita Harrell, who was toward the front of the line. “There’s so much anticipation and excitement, that time is just flying by.”

Asbury Park resident Cathy Davis said the president’s anticipated visited has created a sense of unity in the city.

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“There is a lot of happiness out here, because Obama thinks our little town is important enough to visit us,” Davis said. “It’s all about togetherness (in the line). It’s like a Rainbow Coalition out here. I bet there are even some quiet Republicans in the back of the line who want to be part of this, because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

But as excited as people were about a visit from the Commander in Chief, many were hopeful that something tangible would come from his visit.

“This is extremely exciting, it’s history in the making,” Eatontown resident Maureen Kean said. “And hopefully he will bring some help with him. Because even though the boardwalk is back, there are still a lot of people displaced from their homes and there are still businesses struggling to reopen. So there is still a lot of help that is needed here.”