Forsyth County Dems Celebrate President's 50th Birthday

The Forsyth County Democratic Party hosted a party to honor President Obama’s 50th birthday on Saturday at the Cumming Fairground parking lot which was attended by a small but jovial crowd. It was also the first time that Forsyth County Democrats celebrated the birthday of a U.S. president because, “Forsyth County didn't have a practicing party at that time. We were only individuals looking for each other,” explained Sharon Gunter, Democratic Party Chairwoman.

This year, “the state and national parties asked every local county party to celebrate President Obama's 50th birthday. What better way to celebrate a birthday than a party,” she continued in a statement to Cumming Patch.

The plans for the celebration started to fall in place and Gunter was determined to keep the focus on two simple goals for the event:  awareness of the group and to celebrate the birthday of the president, regardless of political party affiliation.

Choosing the parking lot for the fair ground allowed enough room for the anticipated large crowd and great visibility. Located across from Goodson's Pharmacy in downtown Cumming, the venue was accessible and saw a steady flow of traffic pass by.

“For anyone unaware of our existence looking for a party, we welcome you with open arms,” offered Gunter. “The values we hold, those roots of a true southern Democrat of honesty, fiduciary responsibility, helping their fellow man, [and] doing what's right for the community."

Mary Chatfield, President of the Democratic Women of Forsyth County, added that both groups, FCD and DMWFC, have worked together on several occasions and have been affiliated for some time. 

Betty Vernon attended “because I’m a Democrat, I believe in Barack Obama. I think he needs our help bad.” She donned a patriotic fedora for the party.

Attending with Vernon was Angie Wallace who echoed those sentiments. “I believe in Barack Obama and he needs every bit of support he can get from the people of America,” she said.

Entertainment was provided by Gunter, along with several other local musicians and singers, including who was accompanied by Greg Shearer on the guitar, Isba, Jeannie Lipscom, DJ, Tom Rogers, Allison Burnett, and Chris Nero.

Food was available for sale by Ice Cream Social and consisted of cupcakes, hotdogs, and a variety ice cream flavors such as Barack-y Road, Blue State Special, and White House (full of nuts and flakes). Wearing a festive stove pipe hat of stars and stripes, Jarret Reid, manager and owner of Ice Cream Social said, “We like to do stuff for the community.” 

Gunter was pleased with the turnout, commenting that so many families are taking a last minute vacation prior to Monday’s start of the school year. 

The periodic beeping of car horns passing by on Veteran’s Memorial Highway was an indication of support for the gathering. The quickly eaten cake was another. 

For more information regarding the Forsyth County Democrats click here and for details about the Democratic Women of Forsyth County contact Chatfield at mcatursvc@aol.com.