Obama meeting Utah supporters today

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is expected to speak today to a rally of his Utah supporters on his way to a private fund-raiser in Park City that is set to start at 1 p.m.

The Illinois senator, one of his party's leading contenders for the White House in 2008, is to deliver a pep talk to Utahns for Obama at the Park City Visitor Information Center, located at the entrance of the Utah Olympic Park just off state Route 224 at Kimball Junction.

His appearance is anticipated at around 12:45 p.m., but traffic due to an arts festival could affect that timetable, Utah Democratic Party officials said Saturday. The road to the park is expected to be closed in advance of Obama's arrival.

The announcement of the stop comes after criticism that Obama had no public events or press availability scheduled during the few hours he is to spend in Utah.

"I believe he wanted to make a special effort to thank Utahns carrying the torch for him here — a part of the country where Democrats are finding fertile ground and growing opportunities for success," said Utah Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland.

Some 450 people are expected to spend as much as $2,300 each to attend Obama's first Utah fund-raiser, according to event organizer Mark Gilbert.