BLUFFTON, S.C. (AP) -- An estimated 2,000 people are expected to turn out next week for a South Carolina visit by U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, a potential Republican presidential contender.

Planners had initially expected only about 200 people for the April 16 event in Bluffton.

Now they expect ten times that number and have moved the appearance to a larger venue.

What was to have been a small gathering to hear the Minnesota Republican is now shaping up to be a block party with several bands, vendors and speakers. Organizers say the event is nonpartisan and is being billed as a celebration of the right to vote.

The event is part of Bachmann's four-day visit to the state that ends with a Tea Party rally in Columbia.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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