The Freeborn County Republican Party annual picnic was held the evening of Aug. 17 at the main pavilion of Edgewater Park.

A catered dinner was served to 115 people by Conger Catering.

Following dinner, the enthusiastic crowd heard from the following candidates for the upcoming election: Rich Murray, running for the House District 27A; Kathy Green, running for Senate District 27; Pat Anderson, running for state auditor; Greg Wersal, running for Minnesota Supreme Court judge; a spokesman for Tim Tingelstad, also running for state Supreme Court;  Annette Meeks, candidate for lieutenant governor with Tom Emmer, gubernatorial candidate.   Randy Demmer, candidate for Congress from the 1st District, opposing Tim Walz, closed the messages from the candidates.

Al Arends, Freeborn County co-chairman, was master of ceremonies. Paul Overgaard, former state senator, brought the message of how important it is to financially support our candidates.  In today’s economy and present political world, whether we like it or not, it takes a lot of money to win elections. He encouraged the crowd to support these candidates and to talk to their friends.

Members of the Freeborn County Republican Party Executive Committee were recognized.  Those present were Sybil Broskoff, co-chairman, and Ken Petersen and Annie Schleck, vice co-chairpersons. Other members of the committee present were Maureen Ruble, Carol Nelson, Paul Overgaard, Chuck Foster, Matt Benda, Pat Waters, Jan Jerdee and Marlene Behle.

Annie Schleck, arrangements coordinator for the picnic, was recognized for an excellent job.

It was an eager and interested crowd that had opportunity, not only to listen to the candidates but to speak with them individually, ask questions and share comments and opinions.