The Fountain Hills Republican Club held its annual picnic Saturday, Oct. 18, at Golden Eagle Park, where approximately 100 attendees enjoyed a meal while hearing from three candidates running for governor.

Arizona gubernatorial candidates Andy Biggs, Karin Taylor Robson and David Schweikert all spoke, taking aim at denying Katie Hobbs a second term as governor, club spokesperson Chris Brant said.

Also present were candidates for U.S. Congress, candidates for the LD 3 House seat, candidates and members of the Fountain Hills Town Council, Mayor Gerry Friedel, MCSO Sheriff Jerry Sheridan, FHUSD School Board President Rich Rutkowski and others.

At the annual picnic, individuals have the opportunity to hear officials address specific issues, and each candidate can take the podium to share their background and campaign platform with the body of Fountain Hills Republicans and like-minded Independents.

According to Brant, this process provides attendees the chance to support their favorite candidates.

The attendees were rewarded with hamburgers, hot dogs and fixings. Susan Sirls supervised the team of servers while Rich Rutkowski and Gordon Standerwick grilled the meat.

Club president Boe James expressed his appreciation of all the volunteer staff of the picnic committee, particularly the cooks who worked over the hot grills all afternoon.

Upcoming club events

The next Republican Club social event is Saturday, Nov. 1, at 8:30 a.m. at Euro Café, Pizza and Bar. Everyone is welcome to socialize with assembled members.

The November monthly meeting will be at 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Community Center.

Any registered Republican who is considering running for Town Council or Mayor is welcome to participate. Contact Boe James via email at FHRepublican@gmail.com to receive an invitation.

For further information about the Fountain Hills Republican Club’s meetings and events, Fountainhillsrepublicanclub.com or Facebook.com/FountainHillsRepublicanClub.