CAMBRIDGE, Md. (WJZ)—The commander-in-chief makes his way to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. President Barack Obama visited Cambridge to meet with top Democratic lawmakers.

Weijia Jiang was there as the president arrived in town.

Locals say they had been waiting for that one moment all week long and say it was such an honor to have the lawmakers in town. And when the president finally arrived, the crowd that had been waiting for hours gave him a huge welcome.

In historic Cambridge on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, dozens waited for a chance to add history to their own history books for a rare opportunity to see the commander-in-chief.

“I think it’s great. I think it’s absolutely wonderful,” said one Cambridge resident.

Stacey Miller brought her 5-year-old.

“This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ve never done it myself. We’re sharing it together for the first time,” Miller said.

Just before 1:30 p.m. Friday, President Obama arrived at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, where House Democrats wrapped up a three-day retreat. The president’s remarks were closed to the public.

To members of Congress, he urged getting work done despite what he calls a debate with Republicans.

“Wherever we have an opportunity, wherever there is the possibility that the other side is putting some politics aside for just a nanosecond in order to get something done for the American people, you got to be right there ready to meet them,” the president said.

The locals could not hear the words themselves. In fact, they couldn’t even get onto hotel property guarded by Secret Service. But a glimpse of the passing motorcade was enough, and they even caught something else.

“He waved at us,” said Leroy Duffy, a Cambridge resident. “He was in the third vehicle and he waved at us. I waved, I clapped. It brought tears to my eyes.”

The local business community was very happy to welcome the lawmakers as well. Local business owners say their bottom line went up 25 percent last year during the retreat and they expect that number to be even higher this year.