Numerous candidates vying for public office will speak at a political rally on Saturday hosted by the Poplarville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4196.

With Election Day around the corner, the rally will give Pearl River County voters an opportunity to learn more about the candidates in order to make an informed decision at the polls, said Timothy Miller, VFW quartermaster.

Speakers include Justice Court North candidates James Hal Breland (R) and Michael Brown (R); Constable North candidates Joe Garcia (R) and Danny Joe Slade (R); Pearl River County Sheriff candidates John “Tank” Herring (R) and Charlie Fazende (R); Circuit Clerk candidates Aprel Purvis (R) and Nance Fitzpatrick Stokes (R) and Coroner candidate David Brumfield (D).

Other speakers include Supervisor District I candidates Mark “Chief” Thorman (R) and Lavar Thompson (R); Supervisor District III candidate Hudson Holliday (R); County Attorney candidate Kevin R. Roberts (R); State Senate District 47 candidates Regina Mitchell (R) and Anne G. Smith (R) and District II Public Service Commission candidate Thomas Blanton (D).

Julie Bounds, VFW public relations manager, encourages candidates to participate in the rally.

“The rally is open to any candidate running in the area and open to anyone who’d like to hear what they have to say,” Bounds said.

The political rally will be held at the VFW Post 4196 located on 52 VFW Rd. in Poplarville from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. There will be food, drinks, bounce houses for children and live music will play after the rally. The VFW will also host a car, truck and bike show to celebrate their 70^th anniversary.

“This is our first time hosting a political rally. Since we’ve been a part of the county for the past 70 years we wanted to bring our community together to hear what the candidates have to say and celebrate at the same time,” Miller said.

VFW Post 4196 is a non-profit organization, which aims to serve U.S. veterans.  The charter was established in Pearl River County to provide support for local veterans, Miller said.

Any candidates who wish to speak at the rally can contact Bounds at (601) 795-5706. To register a car, truck or bike into the show, contact Michael Holliday at (601) 916-7081.

The primary election will take place Tuesday, Aug. 4, while the runoff for the primary election will take place Tuesday, Aug. 25. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, the Item previously reported.