With the election season in full swing, things are hopping at the Cumberland County Republican Party Headquarters. The stakes are high this election and it has motivated the local GOP to invite all of the Republicans across the state who are running for offi ce to visit Fayetteville, meet the voters and get out their message. On Sept. 29 at the AIT building on Hay Street, join the Republican Party from 4-7 p.m. for a Potluck and Pink Slips for Democrats meet and greet. Tickets cost just $20 and food is provided.

Mikele Haywood, the events chair and others in the party are concerned for the future of the country and are looking to make a difference.

“I love being a factor in helping Republicans win office and getting out their message of conservatism and smaller government,” she said. “Our government is so big and bloated — it just has to stop somewhere. My fear is that we are so large. I am afraid we are almost to the point of no return. I don’t want to end up like Greece and that is where we are headed. People from every political party should be terrified by this.”

The event coincides with the International Folk Festival, and with good reason. Haywood sees the festival as an opportunity to inform people and connect voters with the candidates. Since the festival is so much fun, she is expecting a good turn out.

“I’ve held events down here during previous festivals and it has always turned out well,” said Haywood. “It’s a festive environment, it should be a lot of fun and we will have a 50/50 raffle, which means that someone will be taking home some money. The last time we had a 50/50 raffle the winner took home more than $500.”

Judges who are running for a seat on the bench and for reelection are expected to attend the event, too. “We invited everybody across the state,” said Haywood. “Justice Paul Newby is invited. He holds the court in balance right now, without him it will be a liberal court so we want to make sure that people get to meet him and talk with him about issues that are important to them.”

The party is hoping for a good turn out, especially since many of the memebers see this election as a pivotal point in America’s history. “Hopefully most of the candidates will be making an appearance,” said Haywood. “This will be the only event the Cumberland County GOP is doing this fall. It is the last event where voters can actually come in and ask questions before the election. That is why it really important.”

In addition to meeting the candidates, attendees can stock up on election items like T-shirts, bumper stickers and yard signs. The Cumberland County Republicans have already made and sold out of several items. “We’ve had Romney/Ryan T-shirts made in pink and royal blue and I have already sold out of the pink and had to reorder,” said Haywood. “We are expecting yard signs to come in soon. We get calls about that everyday and people coming in asking for them.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the republican candidates and to have your voice heard by the republican candidates.