'She's such an inspiration' says Sask. woman of visiting speaker Michelle Obama

More than 8,500 people, predominantly women, filed into Saskatoon's SaskTelCentre Thursday nightto hear former U.S. first ladyMichelle Obama speak.

Billed as "an inspirational evening,"Obama's talk wassponsored by the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.

Veronica Armbruster brought her granddaughters Isabella and Lily.

"I thought Michelle Obama would be somebody that we'd all like to hear. I think she's got something interesting to say. She's lived an interesting life," said Arumbruster.

"She has talked a lot about nutrition and she's very smart and intelligent," said Lily.

Victoria Chrispintravelled from Regina for the show. Her daughter shares the same name as one of Barack Obama's grandmothers.

"She's such an inspiration," Chrispin said of Michelle Obama."She's a leader, a role model, and she's my idol. One important thing she always talks about is education. Education is very important to me as a mother. I'd like for my children to continue their education."

The chamber's CEO, Darla Lindbjerg, moderated the discussion with Obama, which kickedoff at 7 p.m. CST.

Obama has touched on a variety of subjects during previous stops on her speaking tour such as social media, raising kids and the challenges she faced as the first African-American to serve as the first lady.

Nearly sold out

Doors for SaskTel Centre audience members opened at 6 p.m.

As of around 2:30 p.m. Thursday,there were still 100 tickets available online and at theSaskTelCentre box office for Obama's appearance.

"Please plan to arrive in plenty of time to clear security and note that photography and videography is prohibited," the chamber wrote Thursday on Facebook.

Murad Al-Katib, the president and CEO of Regina-based pulse supplier AGT Foods, was one of several people to introduce Obama.

Staff at the Saskatoon Tourism officewere clearly excited today in the lead-up to the talk.

Ditto this guy.

Saskatoon is the smallest Canadian city to host Obama. She spoke to a sold-out crowd in Vancouver last month and is headed to Calgary Friday night.

Obama's star appearance comes as the debate begins about whether to replace the 30-year-oldSaskTel Centre.

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