By Marta Gouger

mgouger@tnonline.com

Jessica Tirpak and her family were among the thousands who battled traffic and waited several hours to see former President Donald Trump on April 13 during his campaign appearance in Schnecksville.

This isn’t their first rally and it won’t be the last for the Tamaqua family.

Tirpak’s son, Hunter, was recognized as Baby Trump and made national news in 2016.

He was dressed as Trump and ended up on stage with the candidate.

Eight years later, he has grown into “The Trump Kid.”

As part of Team Trump, they had a special parking pass, VIP seating and didn’t have to wait in the long lines with other rally attendees.

Tirpak and her three sons, have been to several rallies since that first one at Mohegan Sun arena and have had backstage passes to meet Trump.

“This one was incredible to see the number of people,” said Tirpak, who rented a limo for the event.

They still had to walk about a mile to the grounds.

Some reported waiting more than four hours to get in.

“There were no issues and no fighting,” she said.

Now 9, Hunter is a fourth grade at Tamaqua Elementary. His brother Tanner is 11 and a fifth grade at the school. Greg, 14, attends Tamaqua Middle School.

“It’s crazy to hear my kids talking politics,” Tirpak said.

During the rally people were getting updates on the Israel bombings. “I think we are all desperate Americans.”

Tirpak said Trump spoke about an hour on a variety of topics, including inflation, the price of gas and groceries.

She works two jobs to keep her three growing boys fed.

Waiting all day for the rally “was so worth it,” Tirpak said. She was amazed at how many people brought children to the event, which she said was well-planned with food and merchandise vendors and plenty of portable toilets. As a past president, she said Trump was well-guarded.

“I couldn’t believe they got all those people in,” Tirpak said.

This was Trump’s third visit this year to the vital swing state, one that could decide who wins this year’s presidential race. He also plans to attend a fundraiser in nearby Bucks County before the event.

Pennsylvania is a critical battleground in the rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden, with both candidates expected to visit the state frequently through November.

Biden plans to deliver a major address Tuesday in Scranton on tax fairness.

Keith Huff of Jonas, has also attended other rallies, including one in September 2020 at Mohegan Sun in Wilkes-Barre. After Saturday’s event, he said he would go again.

“All I can say is they’re awesome,” Huff said. “The amount of people that attend, the energy and friendliness of the crowd are amazing.”

Alexis Hessinger of Slatington added, “We need our man Trump back. #Trump24 Take America Back. Your kids’ future depends on it.”

Tirpak said, “It’s important for American people not to forget about their freedom to vote. They need to be educated (about the candidates) as well.”

She described this as a scary time. “This is giving people a sense of America. It’s important for the kids to see that,” she said.

Before Trump left the stage Saturday night, he pointed at Tirpak boys, who were all wearing Trump supporter shirts.

Tirpak said Hunter’s goal is to be a pilot when he grows up. He wants to fly Air Force One.