The Highland County Democratic Party will hold its annual picnic on Sunday, Aug. 7, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the AmVets Park, North Shore Drive, Hillsboro.

The featured speakers for this year’s event will be Ohio Supreme Court Justice candidates John O’Donnell and Cynthia Rice.

O’Donnell is an elected common pleas court judge from Cuyahoga County, where he was first elected in 2002 and has consistently been rated as “excellent.” He was selected in 2008 by the Ohio Supreme Court to be one of only eight trial court judges to preside over a commercial docket devoted strictly to business litigation.

Rice is presently serving on the 11th District Court of Appeals, a positioin she has held since 2002. From 1999 to 2001, Rice was an assistant United States attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Department of Justice. Rice is “highly recommended” by the Ohio State Bar Association, while her opponent, Pat Dewine, is “not recommended.”

Frances Strickland, back by popular demand, will be present to speak on behalf of her husband, Ted Strickland, the former Ohio governor who is running for the U.S. Senate. Frances will speak regarding what Ted feels are the major issues facing our country today, and what his visions are to “fix” those problems. She will also bring along her guitar and sing a few verses of a popular song, changing lyrics to fit the current campaign.

The picnic menu will include Ponderosa chicken wings and strips, baked beans, salads, desserts and beverages. A freewill donation will be accepted.

The event will conclude with a lively auction by Frank Grover. Door prizes will also be awarded. This is a family event, so plan to come and join us for an afternoon of politics, fun and entertainment – and bring along a friend.

Submitted by Dinah Phillips, Highland County Demoratic Party chairperson.