Protesters, supporters attend Donald Trump rally in Macon | The Telegraph

Donald Trump's visit to Macon drew thousands of supporters and a group of protesters speaking out against the Republican presidential front-runner.

Outside the Macon Coliseum, about 30 protesters voiced their displeasure with Trump and his supporters. They held signs with statements such as "Veterans Against Trump" and "Hospitality not Hostility." They shouted chants such as "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Trump has to go."

At times, the scene turned to debates on policy, including the role of Islam in America.

"We're all brothers and sisters, and there is one side that's about hate and exclusion and another side about love and inclusion," said Vince Venditti, a Bernie Sanders supporter from Warner Robins.

There was a contentious moment when two vendors moved their tables in front of the protesters, which prompted a call to Bibb County Sheriff David Davis to resolve the issue.

A woman with the Trump campaign said she told the vendors to move from the center of the plaza to the edge to free up the flow of people. Former Macon Mayor C. Jack Ellis and other protesters said it was a maneuver to block them. After about 10 minutes, the vendors moved their tables away from the protests after Davis said he told Ellis the protesters could stand there.

"Trump didn't rent this, he rented that," Ellis said while pointing at the outdoor area near the entrance to the Coliseum and then pointing to the Coliseum.

In a span of three hours, a steady stream of people strolled into the Coliseum for Trump's speech.

Protests have been common at many of Trump's campaign stops as the brash businessman has toured America. According to a Nov. 27 Reuters poll, Trump remains the top Republican presidential candidate as he outpaces his closest competition, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, by more than double the percentage.

There was no violence during Monday's protests, unlike at a Nov. 22 rally in Birmingham, Alabama, where a local activist was beaten by some of the people in attendance.

On Monday, red, white and blue was the most dominant color of souvenirs.

Vendors such as David Dickson were selling items including buttons, pins and T-shirts with the slogan "Make America Great Again." The Sarasota, Florida, resident has traveled to 25 states since Labor Day, selling memorabilia featuring presidential hopefuls.

Trump's ability to attract a crowd makes him a popular candidate for vendors.

"He's the draw at this point. None of the other candidates draw enough people at this point," Dickson said.

Perry High School senior Jacob Collins was among a group of friends at Monday's event. Collins said it was a big deal to have someone the stature of Trump come to Middle Georgia.

"I like what he has to say," he said. "It's not the political correctness crap, lies and promises other people can't keep."

Monday's trip to the Macon took three hours for Tea Party of Gilmer County co-founder Margaret Williamson. She said she likes other candidates, but "Trump has the best chance to beat Hillary Clinton."

But for one Trump detractor, there's a worry about the loss of federal jobs at Robins Air Force Base.

"I want to make sure (Trump) doesn't contract all his jobs to his buddies," said Eddie White, vice president at large for the American Federation of Government Employees Local 987.

To contact writer Stanley Dunlap, call 744-4623 or find him on Twitter @stan_telegraph.