CANTON — The Cherokee County Republican Party is prepping for a family-friendly event this weekend before gearing up for the oncoming election season.

The political organization will hold its “Republicans for Pork” barbecue event this weekend at Lake Allatoona.

“This is more of a fun event,” said John Marinko, the Republican Party’s vice chair of events and fundraising. “We wanted something to kick off the summer and give people a chance to meet elected officials before we get into the election season.”

The event is slated for Saturday afternoon to be held at the lake’s Sweetwater Day Use Area.

Several elected officials are scheduled to attend the event, including state representatives Charlice Byrd, Calvin Hill and Sean Jerguson.

Officials from Cherokee County’s government and municipalities have also been invited to attend.

Besides barbecue and politicians, the event will feature live entertainment from Lawrenceville-based country singer Catherine Kimbro and activities and games for children.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue Service will also be on sight displaying emergency response vehicles.

The event is a fundraiser, but Cherokee County Republican Party Chairman Bob Rugg said the group just hoped to break even on the event.

“This is just a regular family picnic,” Rugg said. “It is just an event we wanted to do to promoted the Cherokee County Republican Party and make ourselves more available to the community.”

After this weekend’s festivities it will be strictly business for the Cherokee Republican Party, though.

Rugg said the group is organizing an October fundraiser, hopefully to feature a debate or forum with candidates fighting for the Republican presidential nomination.

The party is also prepping for its annual Christmas fundraiser.

“Next year, going into presidential season, we’ll have a lot of things,” Rugg said.