By Josh Bergeron

josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Several candidates for federal, state and local offices will speak during a Rowan County Democratic Party event on Thursday.

The local Democratic Party will host its annual picnic at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Shoaf’s Wagon Wheel.

Chairman Geoffrey Hoy said event set-up begins at 6 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the meal begins at 6:30 p.m. Candidates for office will speak at 7 p.m.

Speakers include Democratic 13th Congressional District candidate Bruce Davis, Agriculture Commissioner candidate Walter Smith, Democratic NC Senate District 25 candidate Dannie Montgomery and Democratic Rowan County commissioners candidate Veleria Levy. Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts is also scheduled to attend and speak as a surrogate for the Hillary Clinton campaign.

Davis, a business owner, is facing Republican candidate and gun store owner Ted Budd in the 13th District race. Smith is facing incumbent Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. Montgomery is also facing an incumbent in her race — auction company owner Tom McInnis. In the Rowan County commissioners race, Levy is one of four candidates in the general election. Other county commissioner candidates include incumbent Craig Pierce, a Republican; incumbent Mike Caskey, a Republican; and challenger Mark Lyerly, a Libertarian.

Rowan Democratic Party Chairman Geoffrey Hoy said the annual picnic is open to the public and attendees are asked to bring a dish of their choice to share. Those interested in attending should contact Hoy at dotgeofhoy@gmail.com or 704-603-8029.

He said candidates for judicial positions, including NC Supreme Court candidate Mike Morgan, may also attend.

During the event, Hoy said there will be a 50/50 raffle and items for sale. Attendees can also sign up to receive campaign signs and sign up to be involved in campaigning for candidates.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.