It was an awesome visual.

WEST CHESTER, Ohio — Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan fired up the Republican base here Friday night with the biggest rally yet of their campaign as they headed into the final weekend before Election Day.

On a frigid fall night — you could see your breath in the air, and organizers handed out fleece blankets and hand warmers to the press — 100 GOP all-star surrogates gathered in this key state, some throwing red meat to the sprawling crowd and stressing that Ohioans hold the fate of the election in their hands.

It was an awesome visual. Those appearing with Romney and Ryan included former GOP rivals Rick Santorum and Rick Perry, and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte. They lined up in rows to Romney’s right in matching red or blue fleeces.

Organizers of tonight’s mega-event said the goal was to create the feeling of a week-long party convention in one night — complete with the the GOP’s rising stars and stalwarts, as well as a performance by Kid Rock.

The crowd loved it. Many waved small Ohio flags. Romney supporters wearing red, white and blue T-shirts positioned themselves behind Romney to create a human image of Ohio’s flag. (Continues) 

Note: While POLITICO reports between 15,000 and 18,000 in attendance, LA Times reports over 20,000.  ABC News also reports more than 20,000 supporters,

PICTURES OF CROWD