First Lady Michelle Obama visits western Massachusetts

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It's a big day and night for politics lovers in western Massachusetts.

First Lady Michelle Obama is here for the first time.

Those who didn't mind just seeing her motorcade go by were happy, but anyone hoping to see the First Lady herself were left a little disappointed.

"They just flew in with her, straight in there," said Michael Runnels, Springfield.

If you looked away you might have missed it.

First Lady Michelle Obama's motorcade made its way into the Basketball Hall of Fame Friday afternoon and down into a private parking area.

A moment some people waited hours in the hot sun to see.

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"We've been out here for almost two hours and it was too quick, she should've at least waved, at least stop to wave to the people who were here I know she's doing a fundraiser but at least support, say hi to the people, Runnels added.

"I watched them come in, that's pretty cool, yeah. You see that on TV, you don't see that in person, you know," said Stephen Cooley of East Longmeadow who was happy to experience the motorcade.

The First Lady is in western Massachusetts to raise money for her husband's re-election campaign.

The first stop was in Springfield for a luncheon.

The deal was you could pay $1,000 and get lunch or you could pay $2,500 dollars and get lunch and a photo taken with the First Lady.

Those who opted for it hoped to talk to her as well.

"What I want her to know is that we have the Latino community is behind her," said Heriberto Flores, Springfield.

The fundraiser was expected to bring in more that $200,000 dollars.

About 140 people attended including Mayor Domenic Sarno and Congressman Richard Neal who were more excited to have Springfield on Michelle Obama's radar.

"Really, we're just honored to have her here in the city of Springfield and we look forward to having her come back again I would love to have President Obama come shoot some hoops at the courts here at the Basketball Hall of Fame," Sarno said.

The First Lady was then heading to a fundraising reception in Pittsfield where tickets were $150. Singer James Taylor was performing there.

From there she'd go to a dinner at Governor Deval Patrick's home in Richmond where tickets were $20,000 a plate.