2017 Benton GOP Float in July 8th Philomath Main Street Parade

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Benton County Republicans participated in the Philomath parade on July 8th, 2017. There was excitement in the air as everyone pitched in to help decorate the float. The turnout was terrific and the weather was absolutely perfect for a parade. Enthusiastic flag wavers and sign holders called out, "We love America," chanted "USA, USA, USA," and left the words "Liberty" and "Freedom" wafting in the wind. With places like North Korea and Venezuela in the news lately as reminders that freedoms of the people can be lost to dictatorial power, the float was decorated with some of America's first principles, which must always be protected.

We offer a huge thank you to these fantastic Republicans for their participation: Nic & Louanna Oliver (drivers), Jessica Paulsen, Trinity Paulsen (age 4) and JR, Jeff Limón, John Detweiler, Stella Guenther, Jean & Charles Nelson, Kristie Hernandez, Izzy Hernandez and friend Layell (great helpers/passed out candy), Jerry & Arden Ray, and Garland & PJ Hunter. Doggies Sassy and Zumi were also aboard the float. Read More......

2014: Benton GOP at Philomath Frolic Parade and Booth

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The Benton County Republican Party participated in the Philomath Frolic Grand Parade in a float designed to support our statewide and local Republican candidates running in the 2014 election. With flags waving and shouting, "Liberty" riders enthusiastically hoisted giant letters spelling "LIBERTY" to parade watchers, who showed their approval with applause! Jacob Vandever, candidate for Oregon House, Dist. 16, and Jerry Jackson, candidate for Benton County Commissioner walked with the float passing out candy to youngsters and greeting voters. Sen. Betsy Close, candidate for Oregon Senate, also participated in the parade riding in a beautiful white Corvette with her fabulous campaign team afoot (we borrowed her photos from Facebook). Louanna Oliver pulled the float… and expertly, we might add. On board were Kristie Hernandez, daughters Ronnie and Alexia with friend Erick, John Detweiler, Stella Guenther and PJ Hunter with Zumi (the dog). Garland Hunter walked the parade route and took pictures. The float won the Grand Marshal's Award trophy. The Benton County Republican Women assisted. Read More......

2013 Benton GOP at Philomath Frolic & Parade

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On July 11-14, the Benton County Republicans once again participated in the super fun and friendly Philomath Frolic & Parade. Those manning the Republican "Floats 'n Votes" booth sold Root Beer floats, lemonade, bottled water, and BCRW buttons; conducted voter registration and collected signatures for petitions, while making friends in Philomath. Our thanks to Andrew Decker, Louanna Oliver, Jessica Paulsen, John Detweiler, Kim Rowe, Susan Newby, Kristie Hernandez and Alexia, Lou and Don Copes, Stan and Glenda Baker, Stella Guenther, PJ and Garland Hunter for helping with setup, takedown or taking shifts in the booth. On the morning of Saturday, July 13th, volunteers descended on our blank parade float and had it decked out in Stars & Strips and shouting LIBERTY in no time. Nic Oliver pulled the float. Nic's wife, Louanna Oliver and granddaughter Janaiah Paulsen rode with him playing patriotic music. Enthusiastic riders on the float were Carolyn Webb, John Detweiler, Kristie Hernandez and daughters Alexia and Veronica (Ronnie) with friends Danny and Tiffany, Jessica Paulsen with baby Trinity, PJ Hunter and Zumi (the dog). Walking with the float and passing out candy were Stan and Glenda Baker, Stella Guenther and Garland Hunter. All helped decorate the float plus Jerry Jackson, Kim Rowe and John & Myrna Bell. With great appreciation, we thank you all! Read More......

GOP Represented in 2009 Philomath Frolic Parade

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The Benton County Republicans participated in the Philomath Frolic Parade on Saturday, July 11, 2009. Sid Leiken, Mayor of Springfield and 2010 candidate for U.S. Congress for Oregon District 4 and Andy Olson, Incumbent Oregon State Representative for District 15 and 2010 candidate, walked the parade route passing out candy and balloons with the help of Mayor Leiken's campaign assistant, Jenn Thompson and Linda Bartcher. Bob Bartcher expertly pulled the float again this year. We were pleased that John Bussell, race car driver representing Operation Homefront, and his son Gary joined us for the parade as well as Laurie Rentz as the Statue of Liberty. Others riding the float were Lee McLaughlin and his daughter Hailee, John Detweiler, Stella Guenther, Sandra Hickey and PJ Hunter. Philomath parade goers are so enthusiastic and always make this event such a pleasure. Our thanks to all! Read More......

Benton GOP float in the Philomath Frolic Parade, July 12, 2008

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The Benton County Republicans cheered on Republican candidates and encouraged voters to vote "Republican" from their float entry in the Philomath Frolic Parade on July 12, 2008 in Philomath, Oregon. The Benton GOP played a supporting role for Representative Andy Olson, who walked the parade route passing out candy. Bob and Linda Bartcher were so kind to pull the float. Reece Hrizuk and Graham Hay walked with Rep. Olson. Riders were Birdie Reetz, John Detweiler, Shirley Douglas, Sandra Hickey, Dale Clark (President of Operation Homefront Oregon), PJ Hunter, Stella Guenther and her grandsons, Jace, Derrick and Ryan. Decorators were Stella Guenther, Sandra Hickey, Linda Bartcher and PJ Hunter.

Move your cursor over the picture and then off again to see our active sign display in the float. Watch carefully! We got cheers and applause with this 'moving' message and it was lots of fun.

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