Hundreds of people gathered around Caroline Family Practice in Bowling Green yesterday in anticipation of seeing first lady Michelle Obama.

Some drove from as far away as Warsaw and Tappahannock just to get a peek.

They stood for hours and hours in the heat, but many left disappointed without having caught even a glimpse.

But for many, just her presence in town was enough.

"This is the first time that anybody ever came from the White House or anywhere else that took time out to do anything for this neighborhood," said Woodford resident Cathelia Allen about Mrs. Obama's visit to the medical center that specializes in the care of the poor and uninsured. "And we greatly appreciate it."

Donna Wilson and her family came out because "it's a historic moment for Bowling Green. Unfortunately we're on the outside looking in."

About 20 school buses blocked the area where Mrs. Obama was supposed to speak to a small crowd outside the medical center.

Folding chairs, a podium and a backdrop were set up outside, but the event was moved inside by White House security.

"We took the direction for that from the White House," said Caroline Sheriff Tony Lippa. "Was it supposed to be a public event? Yes. Why it was moved inside, they'll have to tell you."

Semonti Mustaphi, deputy press secretary for the first lady, said last night that it was always a private event.

"There was no change," she said. "We looked at the weather and decided to move it inside."

One of the organizers said the event was moved inside because it was "cooler and quieter," a reference to the summer temperatures in the parking lot and the noisy abortion protestors across the street.

A small group of protesters were talking into a bullhorn and holding a sign that said "Abortion is not health care."

The Rev. Pat Mahoney, a Spotsylvania County resident and head of the Christian Defense Coalition, said when he heard the first lady was coming, he and other protesters left Washington and drove down to Bowling Green.

Two protestors from his group were arrested and charged with destruction of property, according to Lippa.