[img_assist|nid=821|title=Large Portland crowd awaits historic vote|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=400|height=252]PORTLAND -- Big snow flakes, strong wind gusts, and large lines are all outside of the caucus site at Portland High School an hour before the session is to begin.

Inside the retro gymnasium large signs for Hillary Clinton compete with large signs for Barack Obama. A small local band called "Blue-o Trio" competes for attention with many conversations about politics. 

There were rumors an hour ago that so many people were showing up the fire marshall might have to shut down this location. But the local access channel is running a direct feed to the high school auditorium for the speech portions before the crowd breaks down into precincts in classrooms and hallways all over this schools.

Teenagers have already begun to sell bottled water and cola from a portable cooler.  

As many as 3,500 are expected to show up in this location alone.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, an Obama backer, and U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) are expected to speak at 4pm.