CARSON CITY - Just two weeks after Alaska Governor Sarah Palin became the Republican candidate for vice president, she's making her first appearance in northern Nevada on Saturday...and they're expecting the event to be standing room only.

Palin's campaign reps say since she was introduced to the Republican ticket, their phones have been absolutely ringing off the hook.

There are even a few names now to describe her popularity...one being: "Sarah-mania" and another: "Palin-tology." Now the real question is, will she be able to live up to what she's promised?

David Stuart runs six Pritchett Eye Care centers in Northern Nevada, all of which have become exceptionally busy lately.

"We get calls all the time, people asking if we carry those particular glasses," said Stuart.

He's talking about this distinct style of glasses, the ones Sarah Palin wears when she's hitting the campaign trail. Her face graces the cover of at least three major magazines this month, proving her overnight fame. Stuart says he's a fan of anyone in a pair of Kazuo Kawasaki's, but he thinks locals will line up to hear Palin speak on Saturday, for reasons that go much deeper.

"I hope it's to see her glasses, but it's probably more about what she has to say," added Stuart.

As campaign coordinators set up for her appearance, they told us why Palin chose our state capitol...and only two weeks after she was announced.

"It just shows how important Nevada is. We intend to compete very heavily for every single vote, whether it's in Reno, Carson or Las Vegas," said McCain-Palin representative, Rick Gorka.

Rick Gorka says he hopes it will bring more rural voters to our area, ones that haven't yet made a choice about who they're supporting.

He says speech attendees can expect to hear Palin talk about issues important to westerners, things like water, land, and budget reform. He says any talk about her personal life...or her glasses, will have to wait.

"It's all fun and tongue in cheek, but at the end of the day, she has the qualifications to be vice president," he said.

There is a lot riding on Saturday's speech...for one, this is Palin's very first solo appearance outside of Alaska since she became a vice presidential candidate.

A lot of people are very curious to hear what she has to say, and also, what she has to add to the Republican ticket.

The speech will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Pony Express Pavilion in Mills Lane Park in Carson City. To RSVP, send an email to palinnevada@gmail.com.