KINGSTON - Some were there for the frozen sweets that have made Memories Ice Cream a local landmark, but many others were drawn by the prospect of a different kind of treat - a chance to meet the man who may become the country's next president.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney stopped off at the ice cream shop yesterday as part of a full day of campaign events. The presidential hopeful began the morning as the keynote speaker for the Nashua GOP's summer luncheon, then attended a house party at the Salem home of state Rep. Mark Pearson. Later in the day, he would visit Brown's Seabrook Lobster Pound.

Although he spent the first part of his day talking politics and policy, calling Democratic rivals unprepared to lead the country, Romney's stop at Memories was more casual.

That was what drew Veda Paloetta of East Kingston. Of course, the butter crunch ice cream helped.

"I'd like to hear what he has to say," Paloetta said of the Republican candidate. "It will be a more relaxed atmosphere."

Paloetta said she usually votes Republican, but has not decided who to vote for in the primary.

But those hoping the stop would allow Romney to answer local voters' questions were disappointed. During his brief visit to the ice cream shop, he was more like a rock star than a politician. Romney posed for photographs and signed books, shirts and magazines on the porch and in the parking lot.

Mel Edwards of East Kingston came to Memories with his wife, children and father-in-law. Romney's visit was a chance to get everyone out of the house and to check out the candidate.

"It's an opportunity to meet him and hear more of what he has to say," Edwards said as he waited for Romney to arrive. Although Edwards may not have heard any of Romney's stump speech, he did get a chance to shake his hand.

Marc Brown, who owns Memories with his wife Patricia, said the experience of hosting Romney's visit was a little surreal.

"It's exciting, thrilling," Brown said. "He could very well be the next president and he's in your business."

Brown said Romney's visit brought about double the usual number of customers for a Sunday afternoon. Mixed in with the families wearing blue "Mitt '08" stickers was a line of motorcyclists who formed a line to leave at the same time as Romney. The Kingston police officer directing traffic gave Romney's Jeep the right of way, while some onlookers chuckled at the juxtaposition.

After meeting the crowd, Romney pulled a lime green Memories shirt over his white shirt and red tie and got to work scooping ice cream. The first and only order he filled was for his wife, Ann.

She wanted a sundae with rocky road ice cream and marshmallow topping. Although he didn't get it quite right, Ann Romney said the creation was just as good with hot fudge.

"He can't make a banana split to save his life, but it was nice of him to stop by here," joked Jeffrey Phaneuf of Newton.

While many at the ice cream shop said they have already decided to vote for Romney, others were not there to be convinced.

"I just like to see all the candidates," said Sheila Bergeron of Newton. "I'm probably the last person who would vote for him, but I do want to see him. It's good to see (candidates) face to face."

Bergeron was at Memories with friend Connie Smith. Smith brought her 19-year-old daughter Cassie and her friend Emily Traynor, who will vote in their first presidential primary next year.

"I want to hear what he has to say," said Cassie Smith, who confessed she is not very involved in politics.

"It might spark an interest," Connie Smith said.

While Cassie Smith and Traynor are just learning about politics, Tom Coe is an old hand. The former Massachusetts resident has already voted for Romney once before.

Coe said Romney is a "solid man from a family of solid men. I would be very proud to vote for Mr. Romney."

The family moved to New Hampshire because they thought Massachusetts was heading in the wrong direction, he said.

"I voted for you in Massachusetts," Coe told the former governor as they shook hands.

"Do you live up here now?" Romney asked. "Vote for me again."