What to know before you go: Horry County GOP Convention
The Horry County Republican Party Convention revs up Saturday, and party members and the public alike are invited to hear billionaire Donald Trump speak.
Robert Rabon, Horry County GOP chairman, said the party is expecting a big crowd for Trump’s speech, so attendees should plan to arrive early. There are no other featured speakers, he said, because the party wants the spotlight to shine on “The Apprentice” icon.
“We’re not going to try and take away from him,” Rabon said. “I think it’ll be a good program with what we’ve got.”
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the doors will lock promptly at 9 a.m., so Rabon encourages everyone to arrive early. The party plans to provide breakfast for all attendees.
“We think we’re going to have a good turnout,” Rabon said. “Even if you’re not a member, come to the convention and just see how we function.”
The doors re-open to the public around 11:30 a.m., and Trump will begin his speech at 12:30 p.m., Rabon said. There will be more than 800 seats available, but the public is encouraged to come early to guarantee seating.
“Everyone is excited,” Rabon said. “He’s an icon.”
Rabon said Trump, who recently announced he is exploring a run for the presidency in 2016, will probably speak on his plans for the future and what he thinks of the current state of America. The billionaire entrepreneur is quite a catch for Horry County, Rabon said.
“There’s a lot of people that really like him. They like the idea that he is fresh meat; he’s not a politician, he hasn’t been in office,” Rabon said.
Trump visited Myrtle Beach in 2014.
“They like the fact that he says what he means and means what he says,” Rabon said.
The convention will be held at Ocean Bay Middle School, 905 International Drive, Myrtle Beach. Cost to attend is $15 per person,; Horry County GOP members are free.
“It’ll be a good program – very interesting,” Rabon said.
Contact CLAIRE BYUN at 626-0381 and follow her on Twitter @Claire_TSN.
If you go:
What | Horry County Republican Party Convention
When | Saturday, April 11
Time | Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., doors lock at 9 a.m. Doors open to the public at 11:30 a.m., Trump will speak at 12:30 p.m.
Cost | $15, free for party members
Where | Ocean Bay Middle School, 905 International Drive, Myrtle Beach
More info | www.HorryCountyGOP.com
This story was originally published April 9, 2015 at 3:26 PM with the headline "What to know before you go: Horry County GOP Convention."