The 8th Congressional District Democratic Women’s Club has announced its annual spring convention will be held May 5-6, at the Holiday Inn in Poplar Bluff.
The 2023 Woman of the Year will be announced during Saturday activities. The convention brings together members from all six county clubs, including Butler, Cape, Dunklin, Ripley, Scott and Stoddard.
The theme for this year’s convention is “Democrats for the Derby,” which coincides with Kentucky Derby weekend. The convention promises to be an exciting and informative event, with a range of activities and discussions, according to organizers.
“We are thrilled to be hosting the 8th District Democratic Women’s Spring Convention in Poplar Bluff this year,” said Dorothy Adams, president of the 8th District Democratic Women’s Club. “This convention is an important opportunity for our members to come together, share ideas, and make plans for the future. We are excited to welcome Democrats from across the district to join us for this exciting event.”
Friday night guests include Randi McCallian, who challenged U.S. Rep. Jason Smith (R-Salem) in 2022 and is campaigning for 2024; and Elad Gross, a candidate for Missouri attorney general.
Festivities begin Friday night with a meet and greet, and includes live music by the Jerry Ford Combo, a horse race with a 50/50 drawing, a Derby Hat Contest and a silent auction. Ticket price for both Friday and Saturday is $30 and includes meals and entertainment.
Saturday’s program begins with the group’s annual business meeting where new officers and committee chairs will be elected and installed.
The keynote address will be delivered by Missouri Sen. Barbara Washington, who represents the 9th Senatorial District in the Missouri Senate. Organizers said Washington is an inspiring speaker who supports increased funding for educational opportunities and universal health care.
“She also brings attention to the importance of small business development, juvenile justice reform, minority mental health awareness, crime reduction and environmental preservation,” organizers shared.
Wrapping Saturday’s session will be Rep. Crystal Quade, District 132. Quade is serving her second term as the Democrat Minority Floor Leader, and was named as one of Springfield Business Journal’s 12 People You Need to Know (2017).
In 2018, she was awarded SBJ’s 40 under 40, and honored as one of Springfield’s Most Influential Women.
Schedule:
Friday, May 6: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with a brief welcome and live entertainment from 7-9 p.m., the Derby Hat Contest and a silent auction.
Saturday: Registration at 9 a.m., program begins at 9:30 a.m. with the Annual Business Meeting, keynote address and lunch, concluding by 2 p.m.
Registration is now open, and attendees can purchase tickets by contacting Pat Marler pjrmarler@yahoo.com or 8thDistrictDemocratWomen@gmail.com.
For more information about the convention, please visit the 8th District Democratic Women’s Club Facebook page.