Government-run health care and gun control will be targets of an event hosted by a conservative group next month at a Manheim outdoor club.
Those and other "liberal policy ideas" will be represented on a beat-up car. Attendees can fire off rounds at the car to represent their opposition to such plans, Nate Benefield, spokesman for the Commonwealth Foundation, the Harrisburg-based advocacy group sponsoring the event, said Tuesday.
LiveFreePA is a day to "celebrate the freedoms we enjoy and the ones that are coming under attack," he said. "Whether by taxes, regulations or bans, some of our most important privileges are being compromised."
The May 8 event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elstonville Sportsmen's Association, 3133 Pinch Road.
GOP gubernatorial candidates Tom Corbett and Sam Rohrer are slated to attend, as well as Republican senate candidates Pat Toomey and Peg Luksik.
Democratic candidate for governor Jack Wagner was scheduled to attend but had to pull out of the event, Benefield said.
Invitations were extended to five other Democratic candidates, but they chose not to attend, according to the group's website.
Each candidate will speak and then take aim at the "junker" representing policy ideas such gun control, property tax, cap and trade, government-run health care, taxes and regulations on items such as tobacco and alcohol, Benefield said.
"It's just a unique way to say we're against these policies — shooting them down," he said of the idea this year to fire off bullets or shoot arrows at a vehicle. "I don't really know where we came up with it, but it seemed appropriate."
Also on hand for firing will be a cannon provided by the U.S. Armament Corps.
The first LiveFreePA event was held last year and featured legendary guitarist Ted Nugent, a staunch advocate for hunting and gun rights.
More than 150 people attended that event, also held at the Elstonville club. With lower ticket prices, Benefield said they're hoping for a larger crowd this year.
Tickets are $65 for adults and children participating in shooting or archery activities; $50 for nonparticipating adults and children 12 and older. Children under 12 and accompanied by an adult will be admitted free.
Admission includes breakfast, lunch, beer and cigars. Alcohol and tobacco will be available only to persons of legal age. Entertainment will be provided by classic rockers Jump the Gun.
Participants should bring their own guns and ammunition or their own bows and arrows.
Additional information can be found at www.livefreepa.org.