The Fountain Hills Republican Club will soon be welcoming its 300th active member, making it one of the largest and most relevant Republican clubs in the state.

That makes the club an important stop for all GOP candidates to visit as witnessed by the annual club picnic, Nov.16, which welcomed over 20 candidates running for office from justice of the peace to governor.

The club, which usually meets the third Saturday of each month at the Fountain Hills Community Center, will be inviting these and newly-announced candidates to return to participate in forums where the members will have a greater opportunity to learn more about them.

The club is also proud of its continuing efforts to make the club more inclusive by welcoming representatives of various coalitions of the party to attend its meetings.

Reverend Clyde Bowen, chairman of the Arizona American African Republican Committee, will address club members at its Saturday, Dec. 21, meeting.

Bowen, chairman of the group since 2005 and vice-chairman of the group for 10 years prior to that, will address the history of the organization and its outreach efforts.

He will also provide details for the club’s second annual Emancipation Proclamation Observance Day celebration Jan. 1, 2014. The 2013 event was held at East Lake Park in Phoenix. More details will be available as to the times and place of the 2014 celebration.

Members are encouraged to participate in the tradition of the past two years and bring a special dish to share with others.

The Christmas party/meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the Community Center.

The next meet-up will take place Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. at Euro Pizza. These casual events at various restaurants in Fountain Hills have proven to be a popular way for members to socialize. Candidates also are invited to stop by.

The January meet-up date will be Tuesday, Jan. 28, at a location to be determined. More information is available at www.fhrepublicanclub.org