Both Alberta major provincial political parties will have a presence in Wetaskiwin on March 20, though the focus for each is markedly different.
Maskwacis Wetaskiwin UCP Constituency Association President Josh Bishop said the United Conservative Party is hosting a fireside chat fundraiser for the evening and aside from Premier Danielle Smith being in attendance, there would also be numerous other prominent party members on hand.
"We hope to get some large donations," he said. "This is going help out our local constituency association to promote the candidate in the next elections.
"We're also going to have a few other MLAs there. Devin Dreeshen has committed to coming, Tanya Fir, Nathan Neudorf, RJ Sigurdson, Rajan Sawhney and Adriana LaGrange, as well as Andrew Boitchenko. And Rick Wilson, obviously."
Bishop said the fundraiser would involve both a silent and active auction and a dinner. The constituency association is taking questions in advance that members can ask the premier in a fireside chat. Questions will be asked by the association's youth representative.
Among the items up for auction is a chance to sing karaoke with the premier herself.
"We'll take some questions ahead of time," he said. "She'll do a little bit of a speech and then just a fireside chat, hopefully staying high level and a vision for the future.
"The people who have registered for the event will get an email inviting them to suggest questions."
Tariffs, health care reform and the upcoming federal election were top of mind to members of the constituency, said Bishop.
But the UCP won't be the only party in Wetaskiwin that evening. The Alberta New Democratic Party is planning a protest across the street from the Wetaskiwin Ag Centre, where the fundraiser will be held.
Maskwacis Wetaskiwin NDP executive communications director Susan C. Kokas told the Pipestone Flyer the plan was to have protesters on site in time for the premier's arrival.
"Maskwacis Wetaskiwin NDP Constituency Association, along with nurses, teachers and many others are having a big protest rally in front of the Wetaskiwin Ag Centre next Thursday at 4 to 6 pm as Premier Smith and Rick Wilson are arriving to their event at the Ag Centre," she said. "Hope to see you there."
Tickets to the dinner are $250 for a person or $1,750 for a table of eight. The UCP notes on its website a $250 ticket can be used as a $160 tax receipt, or a full table can be used for a $670 tax receipt.
