"I think our main outreach is to try to get voters interested in the process of our elections," said Debra Conley, vice chair for the GOP's event. "We've always had a low voter turnout and that's disappointing."
The GOP picnic will serve hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks and snacks. Kona Ice, along with other vendors, also are expected to be present.
"We welcome everyone from the community, even those with different views, to join our group," Conley said. "There will be lots of food, fun, games and door prizes from local businesses."
"We encourage our members to shop in Bartow and work in Bartow, and so we worked hard to get all of our prizes and gift certificates from local businesses," she said.
Confirmed speakers for the GOP picnic -- scheduled to be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bartow Beach's Gatewood Park -- include Congressman Phil Gingrey, Congressman Tom Graves, State Attorney General Sam Olens, Chairman of Black Republican Council of GA Michael McNeely, GOP State Chair Sue Everhart, former Army Intelligence Officer Gerry Purcell, Tea Party Patriots State Coordinator Julianne Phillips and Grassroots Training Expert Justin Tomczak.
In contrast to their peers across the aisle, the Democratic Party picnic is scheduled for Aug. 6 at Dellinger Park, Shelter No. 2, from noon until dusk.
"It'd be great to see everybody," said J.M. Prince, Bartow County Democratic party chair. "[The picnic is] just getting together, good fellowship and to let people know that we're here and we're proud and we're fighting a good fight and fighting for the cause."
Currently, there are no democratic office holders within Bartow County. No guest speakers are confirmed for the pot luck-style picnic where Prince encourages interested attendees to "bring what they can and bring what they want." The party will supply hot dogs and soda. Speakers from surrounding Polk and Floyd counties will be invited to attend the picnic.
With the upcoming November election, volunteer recruitment is beginning early and materials on how to register will be available to anyone who wants to participate.