Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Politicking and picnicking to mix at Coachman Park

The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce; Clearpac, the political affiliate of the chamber; and the city on Tuesday will host a two-hour event, dubbed "Politics in the Park.

By MIKE DONILA
Published August 21, 2006

Election night will come a little early for some local and state candidates.

Sort of.

The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce; Clearpac, the political affiliate of the chamber; and the city on Tuesday will host a two-hour event, dubbed "Politics in the Park." The event will give the public an opportunity to brush shoulders and shake hands with candidates running in local and state elections this year.

The candidates also will take time to discuss local issues with residents and pass out campaign literature.

In addition, local organizations representing specific issues are expected to set up tables where the public can pick up information.

The event includes music, food, games and prizes, as well as jugglers and stilt-walkers. A straw poll will cap the night, giving officeholders and political wannabes a chance to, possibly, gauge just how well they'll do in the Sept. 5 primary.

"We feel it's very important for the community and the people to be informed about the issues and the candidates, and this is a great opportunity for them to get one-on-one up close and personal and find out about the things most important to them," said Beth Coleman, president and chief executive of Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Coleman said organizers are still compiling the list of candidates who will attend, but she expects about 10 to 12 . She said typically the event every other year brings in about 100 residents.

"People can expect quite a bit," Coleman said. "You name it, we've got it: county commissioners, people running for the School Board, some state races; and there aren't going to be any speeches."

Chamber officials say they also hope the event encourages a greater voter turnout in the upcoming elections. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to

7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Coachman Park.

Coleman says organizers want to present a "relaxed atmosphere of a good old-fashioned picnic with a carnival feel."

Prepaid tickets are available for $12 for adults and $15 on the day of the event. Tickets for children under 14 cost $5.

The price includes food and drinks.

Campaign literature tables for candidates and organizations cost $55.

[Last modified August 20, 2006, 22:59:41]