Clay County Republican Party to Host 7th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Event

Warne, N.C. — The Clay County Republican Party will hold its 7th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation event on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at West Tubing Company, 6175 Old US Highway 64 West, Warne, NC 28909.

The gathering aims to honor local law enforcement officers serving in Clay County, including members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Highway Patrol troopers, and other local LEOs. Organizers describe the event as a way for Republicans to publicly support law enforcement in contrast to “Defund the Police” policies and other anti-law enforcement positions associated with Democrats and liberals. The event originated in 2020 in response to nationwide efforts to reduce police funding and has continued annually.

The Clay County GOP and event donors will provide hamburgers and hot dogs. Attendees are encouraged to bring side dishes and desserts to share. Law enforcement officers and Republican Party members are invited to bring their families.

This year’s appreciation event will replace the regular monthly Clay County GOP meeting. No meeting will be held on the third Thursday of May, which falls on May 21.

For more information, contact Clay County GOP Chair June West at 706-781-8610.

Recent District Event

Clay County Republicans were represented at the 11th District GOP “Golden Elephant” Celebration and Luncheon held May 9, 2026, at Lake Junaluska Assembly in Waynesville, N.C. Attendees included Chair June West, Vice-Chair Larry J. Ford, Hon. Tessa Sellers (Resident Superior Court Judge for Judicial District 43A), Clay County Magistrate David R. West, and Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Shelton, parents of Judge Sellers.

Highlights of the luncheon included remarks by Congressman Chuck Edwards, video messages from President Donald J. Trump and GOP U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley, and Master of Ceremonies duties by State Senator Kevin Corbin of Macon County. Charlie Shelton received a “Golden Elephant Award” for his longtime service to the Republican Party.

Additional details about either event are available from Chair June West at 706-781-8610 or Vice-Chair Larry J. Ford at 828-421-5721.