PERRY, Ga. — Hundreds of GOP supporters flocked to Georgia National Fairgrounds for the annual 8th Congressional District Fish Fry.
The event brought a mixed crowd of elected officials, candidates vying for ballot spots, volunteers and guests.
The gathering comes a day after Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp formally stamped his endorsement on former president Donald Trump's campaign.
Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley and Congressman Austin Scott, representing the state's 8th congressional district, gave the keynote address, with a message for their party. Both leaders said to get out and vote because this election is counting on Georgia polls.
Michael Weeks, a Republican party volunteer from Crawford County, is a first time attendee. He says he's glad he made the trip.
"It is my first time here at this convention," Weeks said. "The fish fry was great, the speakers have been great, it was really a good turnout; we've enjoyed listening to the people speak."
Weeks said it's like attending a family reunion. Some people you know, while others are new faces. However, he said that the bonds created at the event are fueled by food and hours of conversation.
"Everybody's like minded, so you get a chance to hear different perspectives, different views that we all seem to share the same," Weeks said. "I've seen state officials that I know enjoy seeing them when you know, events like these."
One of those officials is Senator John F. Kennedy who represents Senate District 18. Kennedy said that while the majority of Georgia votes red, because it's a battle state, republicans have got bigger fish to fry.
"You've seen some very close elections and we may have a close election this time, which just makes it all the more important for people to understand it is important to go vote," Kennedy said.
Both men said they are rooting for former president Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance to be in the White House.
"This is an incredibly important election and we need Donald Trump back in the White House," Kennedy said.
Weeks said he has no doubt in their candidate.
"I think Trump and Vance will do an outstanding job," Weeks said.
Kennedy and Weeks say the most important thing is for people to exercise their right to vote in the coming months. Along with attending the fish fry, Kennedy publicly showed support for Trump's no tax on tips policy in a press conference. This policy aims to eliminate taxes on tips for restaurant and hospitality workers.
He said he saw his party increase their energy coming off the republican national convention. With Kemp's recent endorsement, Weeks says this is great for Georgia.
"I know there were some differences in the past with them, so I think it's great for our state that we are coming together, being unified," Weeks said.