DENVER -- A lot of politicians have passed through Colorado.

Their rallies are a lot more than just down-home political gatherings. They are made-for-television events.

Advance teams stage the events, including everyone who attends them.

"They make sure these events go off without a hitch. Without the advance team, nothing gets done," said McCain-Palin spokesman Tom Kise.

Republican Sen. John McCain's advance team had bunting and bales of hay in place early at a Denver area rally Friday.

"We're here in Colorado at a horse arena. It's all country, baby. All country," Kise said.

A live country-western band helped set the mood for the candidate's appearance. Every details is catered to the candidate's location.

"If you're in California, it's a beach theme. Nantucket, a little sea action going on," Kise said.

In Colorado, the McCain supporters got cowboy hats, American flags and homemade-looking signs.

If you are there, the advance team makes sure you compliment the scenery.

"Barack Obama has been drawing large crowds so it's important to have a crack advance team on the ground," said Obama Colorado spokeswoman Natalie Wyeth.

Indoors or out, small or massive, events work because of the behind-the-scenes efforts of the advance team.

The team works with local vendors to manage all logistics, including the crowd, lighting, site and the press. When they are finished, they do it all over again.

"It's a hectic lifestyle. You can go to sleep in Denver and wake up the next morning in Miami, Vegas or Reno. People love it. There's nothing else like it in politics," Wyeth said.