Metro

Bill Clinton ignites hubbub in Rhinebeck on eve of Chelsea’s wedding

CIRCUS: Guy Timperio and Mike Rogers gawk in Bill and Hill masks yesterday, as two costumed goofballs parade by. (Getty Images)

WORKING THE AISLE: Bubba holds court among the adoring throngs in the center of Rhinebeck yesterday, a day before daughter Chelsea’s blockbusting wedding to investment banker Marc Mezvinsky. (EPA)

(EPA)

(EPA)

Bill’s ready to party!

On the eve of Chelsea Clinton’s lavish wedding, father of the bride Bill Clinton got the celebration started, showing up unexpectedly in the center of Rhinebeck and basking in rock-star treatment from starry-eyed residents who thronged him during a sidewalk stroll.

It began with lunch at Gigi Trattoria in the Dutchess County town — and snowballed into a mob scene.

“We just sat down for lunch and saw this mad rush of people and photos and hear a woman say, ‘It’s him! It’s him!’ ” said actress Julie Davis, 35, of Albany.

“He came walking up. I said, ‘Congratulations,’ and he said, ‘Thank you very much.’

“It was better than meeting George Clooney!”

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Davis noted that Clinton looked “very trim” after losing weight at his 30-year-old daughter’s urging for her wedding to investment banker Marc Mezvinsky, 32.

Outside the Italian eatery, the narrow sidewalks were swamped with 200 residents, gawkers and media, all anxious for a glimpse of Bubba and details about today’s nuptials.

“We’re all fine,” he said. “We love it here. Chelsea loves the area as well. She’s doing well.”

Clinton even took a moment to comfort a little girl who got jostled by the huge crowd.

She broke into a toothy smile after Bubba asked her name and whether she was all right.

Chelsea and Marc marry tonight in front of some 500 guests at the Astor Courts, a sprawling mansion on the east bank of the Hudson.

“I like him very much,” Bill said of his future son-in-law. “I really do. I admire him. Hillary feels the same way.”

At a cocktail reception at the Beekman Arms Inn last night, the secretary of state donned a light green flowing gown with a plunging neckline.

To enter the soiree, guests had to provide ID and have it checked against a photo lineup.

Chelsea and her groom-to-be didn’t attend because she was too tired, a source said.

Inside, a giant floral arrangement, complete with lilies, greeted guests such as Madeline Albright and Steve Bing.

One guest gushed about a conversation with Bill Clinton, saying, “He spent 10 minutes explaining the Revolutionary War and the significance of this town.”

The manic activity preceding today’s nuptials was too much for some.

“Rhinebeck is a zoo!” someone griped on Facebook. “Getting a bagel has taken 20 min so far.”

Then there was disc jockey Gary Kiernan, 53, and his wife, Sandy, 40, wearing Bill and Hill masks in the town center.

“We haven’t had to buy food or drinks in two days,” Gary said. “We’re waiting for a call from Bill!”

Traffic snarled or stopped altogether, and commuters were warned to forget about bus service to Rhinebeck today.

And “Daily Show” regulars John Oliver and Wyatt Cenac showed up. They wore matching blue blazers and shorts — Oliver in pink, Cenac in blue.

“We got here this morning — it’s a beautiful place,” Cenac deadpanned. “John and I were thinking we’d get married.”