CALAIS – The kids were huddled Friday outside a theater, wrapped in blankets and sleeping bags and waiting to see the latest Harry Potter movie.

They also got a visit from Gov. John Baldacci.

The governor, visiting Calais on Friday during a swing through Down East Maine, walked among the kids, shaking hands and talking about the latest movie, the fourth installment in the hugely popular series of films.

Some had been in line since 11 a.m., even though the movie wasn’t set to open until 7 p.m.

A few asked to have their pictures taken with the governor.

Brianna Smith, 16, of Pleasant Point wanted to know why the governor was in Calais.

Baldacci smiled.

“I am actually touring Washington County and Calais as governor, but I wanted to come down and see you guys because I know my son is probably waiting in Augusta somewhere because he’s a Harry Potter fan, too,” he said. “They showed it in some places at midnight.”

During his tour of North and Maine street businesses, he got an earful from some of the adults.

Marcia Carlow, who owns the local H&R Block franchise, spoke of economic development issues. She said she would like to see something similar to the Huntsmen Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, which studies marine life in Passamaquoddy Bay.

The governor also met with Dave Peters of Treworgy Pharmacy.

He showed the governor how Treworgy’s telepharmacy works. Working with Healthways-Regional Medical Center at Lubec, patients can have their medications dispensed by Peters from his pharmacy in Calais. The prescription is faxed to Treworgy. He verifies it, then electronically dispenses the prescription through a device installed at the clinic.

Although many business owners warmly received the governor, others were less enthusiastic.

Melissa Royer of My Favorite Things said she declined to meet with Baldacci because she wanted a sit-down with him similar to a town meeting forum where people could talk about economic development issues.

“I think he had a chance to redeem himself with the racino, and he chose to veto that. Until he really wants to come in and sit down and really talk about Down East Maine, I just don’t think he really wants to listen to what we have to say.”

The governor said he was more than willing to have a sit-down with area residents. “I would love to come down and talk with people,” he said.