Paul Ryan to speak in Harrisonburg Friday

Click Here to Recommend Story View larger image Republican vice presidential candidate, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. greets his supporters as he walks on stage to deliver a town hall speech at the Cornerstone Community Ice Center in Ashwaubenon, Wis., on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/The Green Bay Press-Gazette, Lukas Keapproth)

Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan is bringing the campaign trail to the Shenandoah Valley Friday.

Garren Shipley, communications director with the Republican Party of Virginia, confirmed Wednesday that Ryan will speak at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds at 2 p.m. with gates opening at 12:30 p.m. Shipley urged that those interested in attending arrive early, as space is limited and expected to fill quickly.

Ryan, a favorite among ideological conservatives, was chosen as the vice presidential nominee by Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in early August.

Shipley also confirmed that Romney will appear at a rally Thursday in Fairfax. The rally will be held Van Dyk Park, located at 3720 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax. Gates open at 9 a.m. and the event kicks off at 11:35 a.m.

First lady Michelle Obama will speak Friday at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m.

The event is open to the public, but tickets are required. Tickets are available at the Obama campaign office at 1281 Central Park Blvd., Fredericksburg.