craigdailypress.com

An annual tax day Freedom Rally hosted by the Bears Ears Tea Party Patriots is slated for 5 p.m. Tuesday on the Moffat County Courthouse lawn, 221 W. Victory Way.

Tea party chapter member Matt Winey said there are two purposes to the rally.

“Part of it is a protest against high taxes and part of it is a rally to get everyone fired up,” he said. “It’s an election year … so it’s about getting people fired up about their freedom.”

Several people are scheduled to present during the rally, headlined by Grand Junction singer Joyce Schaffer, known for writing music with a patriotic theme.

Also scheduled to speak are Winey, who will talk about what the tea party stands for; local teen Cheyenne Ossen, who will read an award-winning essay she wrote about the U.S. Constitution; Lynne Herring, who will also speak about the Constitution; and Rick Barnes, who will address current legislation.

Although Barnes, a candidate for the Moffat County Commission District 2 seat, will speak at the event, Winey said he will not address his candidacy.

“He doesn’t get to speak about running (for office), we don’t let anybody do that at this (rally)” Winey said. “We really will not talk about who to vote for — it isn’t about that.”

Participants, who will have a chance to win door prizes donated by local businesses, are encouraged to bring signs for the protest portion of the rally.

Winey said despite some misconceptions about the tea party and its ideals, he believes events like the Freedom Rally are important for deciding the future of the country.

“If you care about your freedom, come join us,” he said.

For more information about the freedom rally or the Bears Ears Tea Party Patriots, call Winey at 326-7580 or chapter member Carol Haskins at 629-1627.

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