Thurmont can feel a world away from Washington - but for the next few hours, it's the center of the political universe.

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The G8 summit site-originally slated for Chicago-was changed to Camp David just two months ago, putting a small community on a big stage.

“I feel like we're on the eve of the Normandy invasion,” says Sheriff Chuck Jenkins. “It's coming---it's here.”

Several dozen activists who hope to make their voices heard at a global economic summit at Camp David are making their first stand in Frederick, Md., about 15 miles from the presidential retreat where world leaders are gathering.

Occupy movement members from Frederick and Washington held a "G8 People's Summit" Friday morning at the downtown Frederick library.

Speakers highlighted the income disparity between America's upper and middle classes.

And they called for a new tax on the purchase of stocks, bonds and derivatives. Occupy Frederick member Malgo Schmidt says the forum enabled the group to present substantial information to the public without the tight security restrictions facing those expected to demonstrate later Friday and Saturday in Thurmont.

“Even if they don't see it, the point is, the American people will, so they know what's going on,” says Occupy protester Kevin Wiley.

Leaders of the Group of Eight leading industrial nations are meeting Camp David.

With school canceled because of the summit, Erin Felichko and her husband brought their six kids downtown, wanting to teach their kids the world could change in their own backyard.