Event to feature political speakers, music

The first annual Spring Fling for Liberals and Progressives began as an idea to bring together a group of liberal-minded people from Southeast Missouri, but the event has grown into six hours of music and speakers.

"It's sort of mushroomed. Our original vision was a networking event," said Bob Pollack, chair of the Southeast Missouri Coalition for Peace and Justice, the organization sponsoring the event.

Pollack said the event is open to people of all backgrounds who have progressive political views.

Speakers from various organizations will give presentations and local musicians as well as Janet Bates, who performs Canadian folk music, will entertain.

Those attending are invited to bring their own food and drinks in the form of a potluck picnic.

The spring fling will begin at noon and end at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Missouri Department of Conservation Shelter in Arena Park.