'Kind of like a Trump party': East Texas Republicans gather to celebrate president's inauguration - Longview News Journal - Jordan Green
Dozens of East Texas Republicans danced the night away Thursday to celebrate the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
The America First Celebration, hosted by the Republican Women of Gregg County, was at the Rowdy Creek Ranch Vineyards near Gilmer, three days after Trump vowed that America would enter the “golden age.”
“Our hard Republicans of East Texas love their president,” said Jennifer Kranzman, president of the GOP women’s group. “It’s kind of like a Trump party going on here.”
Party-goers formed a “Trump train” as they danced to the Village People’s song “YMCA,” which Trump incorporated into his campaign events and inauguration.
Video messages from Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran were played during the event, with both speaking enthusiastically about Trump’s second term.
“It’s time to put America first,” Moran said in his message. “I look forward to working tirelessly with President Trump and his administration to rebuild our great nation.”
Party-goer Judy Morgan wore a black and white hat similar to that worn by first lady Melania Trump during the inauguration on Monday. She said of Thursday’s event: “A good time was had by all.”
Her husband, John Morgan, said: “We have a president that’ll give us national security and a good economy, and that affects 100% of the people and not special interest groups.”
Wearing a Make America Great Again hat, Tyler Oxton joined his family at the event and said he’s excited for Trump’s presidency.
“Things are going to get better than they were the last four years,” he said.
Silent and live auctions during the event raised money for the women’s group’s programs benefiting Gregg County youth. Funds raised will pay for a scholarship for a female student who will attend a trade school or college. Funds also will be used to pay for pocket-sized copies of the U.S. Constitution to be distributed to area students.
Members of the women’s group visit schools to teach students about the Constitution, and as part of their literacy program, they serve as mentors to children who struggle with reading, Kranzman said.
Longview News Journal Article by Jordan Green: