Update: Protesters, Supporters out for Obama Visit in Bellevue

Update, 1:30 p.m.:

President Obama has wrapped up his visit to The Boeing Co. plant in Everett and is headed to two private fundraisers in Medina and Bellevue.

Crowds have already gathered outside the Westin Bellevue, where people are sporting a wide array of political views.

Gov. Christine Gregoire has just arrived for the visit.

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President Barack Obama will tour The Boeing Co. factory in Everett during his visit to the Puget Sound area on Friday, and then head to Bellevue and Medina for private fundraisers.

The Washington State Department of Transportation warns drivers in the Seattle-Everett-Bellevue area to be prepared for congestion late this morning and through the afternoon.

The Bellevue fundraising lunch, which cost $1,000 a plate, will be at noon at the Westin Bellevue, 600 Bellevue Way, and will feature Seattle band The Head and The Heart. The president is also scheduled for a  $17,900-a-plate private luncheon in Medina.

Occupy Seattle's Get Money Out of Politics program is also planning a demonstration at noon at nearby Downtown Park from noon to 3 p.m., which includes a free lunch in contrast to the pricey fundraisers. 

"For people who don't have a few thousand spare dollars for lunch, we are offering a Peoples Picnic for the 99%. Don't let income inequality get you down! You can get into our event for $0 per (paper) plate, and we invite you to be a guest speaker for two-minutes at our citizens speak out on how money in politics has affected them personally."

Look at their event listing here.

In Everett, Obama is expected to speak about the importance of domestic manufacturing and American exports at Boeing after flying to Paine Field. His speaking engagement in Everett is the first presidential visit to Snohomish County in 19 years, according to The Everett Herald. Bill Clinton was the last president to visit the county in 1993.

In late November, Boeing announced that 737 Max production would take place in Washington state, bringing with it thousands of new jobs. Boeing added 8,361 jobs in Washington last year, according to The Everett Herald.

Patch will be at Boeing’s Everett plant on Friday, so be sure to check back for our coverage. Obama’s visit comes just days after GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum held a rally in Tacoma and a day after Republican candidate Ron Paul’s rally in SeaTac.