Aimee Copeland makes first local appearance

Video: EXTENDED VIDEO: Aimee Copeland's homecoming PT 2

Video: EXTENDED VIDEO: Aimee Copeland's homecoming PT 1

Video: Snellville celebrates Aimee Copeland

Aimee Copeland with medic Amy McNeely after her transport to rehab facility. (Captiol City Ambulance)

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SNELLVILLE, Ga. -- After months of waiting, the people of Snellville welcomed Aimee Copeland home Friday evening.

The city turned the Towne Green into a party, with one of Aimee's favorite bands kicking off the celebration.

With the help of her father, Copeland entered the stage in a wheelchair to greet scores of her hometown supporters. After a brief speech, she moved to a shaded table to greet everyone who came to see her.

Copeland sat for several hours receiving hugs, kisses, tears, cards and well wishes from supporters, many of whom had never met her.

"I've been praying a lot. Every night I've been remembering to pray for her," said Emma Pierson. She and her mother waited more than an hour to meet Copeland.

Heather Gibbo-Ragsdale greeted Copeland with a hand-made sign, declaring Aimee her "inspiration." As the two took a picture together, Ragsdale fought to hold back tears.

"Everything she says, everything she does -- how can you not be inspired by that?" Ragsdale said. "She makes me want to be a better person."

Before Copeland took the stage, Snellville Mayor Kelly Kautz presented her with a key to the city.

The 24-year-old graduate student has inspired people around the world since losing her hands, leg and foot to a bacterial infection in May.