DUNCAN – “I think we will have a sellout,” said Stephens County Republican Party Chairman Leon Farris. “We have over 75 tables spoken for and only 15 left with two weeks to go.” Farris was speaking to the committee of volunteers who oversee the many different aspects of putting on an event that draws many Republicans and supporters to Duncan every May. This will be the 22nd annual event.
This year, the Stephens County GOP Fish Fry will feature a forum of seven of the Republican gubernatorial candidates including Attorney General Gentner Drummond; former Rio Communities, New Mexico, City Manager Leisa Mitchell Haynes; former Secretary of Public Safety Chip Keating, former Sen. Mike Mazzei, former House Speaker Charles McCall, and former Sen. Jake Merrick.
District 6 District Attorney Jason Hicks will question the candidates on their reason for running for governor and what policies and procedures they expect to enact for Oklahoma.
Because so many candidates will appear on the June 16 primary ballot, this may be the largest turnout in our 20-plus years of holding this fundraising event, Farris said. In Stephens County there will be 50 candidates to choose from in a myriad of offices from County Assessor and County Treasurer to U.S. Senator; almost every statewide office is up for grabs as term limits remove those who have been in office more than eight years. State Senators and Representatives are limited to 12 years in office.
The fish fry event is a place to meet candidates who are running for office; many will have information booths where voters can meet the candidate in person and ask questions regarding their candidacy.
The fish fry kicks off at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 23 with a reception for ticketholders who purchased a table. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Hot, fresh fried fish, hush puppies, coleslaw, and beans will be served in four lines. Tea, lemonade, and water along with homemade brownies and cookies will be available.
A live auction of donated items will add to the fun and excitement and Eugene, from the Bricktown Clown Alley, will be on hand to make balloon animals and entertain children who attend.
The annual Dr. Gerald Beasley Memorial Award will be given to someone who has been a party supporter. The award honors Dr. Beasley, a physician who supported and promoted the Republican Party in years pasts.
The 22nd annual Stephens County GOP Fish Fry will be held at the Stephens County Fairgrounds Arena Building. The few remaining tickets can be reserved by contacting Leon Farris at (580) 656-7951.