Hayden Collins at TEA PARTY EVENT

It almost didn’t happen. Due to stormy weather, Doug Cochran’s Tea Party event at Dellinger Park on Saturday was cancelled just before it was scheduled to start.  But people kept arriving, with a crowd of 400-500 assembled by the time a “Plan B” was put together.  Like the Tea Party movement itself, the groundswell called for action.

Rain had messed up the mobile stage area, so the microphone was set up at a picnic table in one of the park’s shelters.  There were several presentations, one of which was given by Major Bob Poston (retired), who also runs the Phoenix Recovery program in Bartow County.  There were several candidates present, and each of them was given the privilege and honor to make an impromptu presentation, up to 5 minutes each. 

Hayden Collins connected with the Tea Party supporters, and with the conservative values championed by Dave Ramsey and Glenn Beck – whose message contributed to Hayden’s intent to run for office and to strengthen these values in Bartow County and in Georgia.

Hayden described his family’s commitment to serving our country, which he will carry forward as State Representative for District 15, and asked the group for their consideration in Georgia’s primary election on July 20th.

Friends and family joined supporters for an evening fundraiser at The Cellar on Friday night.  Hayden Collins and his wife Sandra joined about 50 attendees in dancing to beach music and enjoying the “Flip Flops and Sea Shells” atmosphere.

Participants took the beach theme even further – discussing how Georgia could help its sister states of Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi deal with the Gulf oil spill.  But there were no formal speeches, just informal conversations with Hayden and other community members while enjoying the evening.  The group did dedicate a moment to the soldiers who are serving overseas, and a toast to their commitment and service.

Hayden thanked the participants for a fun event, and their support of the party in the final months of the campaign.