Protect Bartow Set For Saturday in Cartersville

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- On Saturday, a slew of vendors and experts will be on hand to give you advice on how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Protect Bartow, an educational event aimed at providing information and resources about safety, security and personal defense rights to the community, will be held from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. May 14 at the Cartersville Civic Center.

The initiative, hosted by the Bartow County Republican Party, will feature guest speakers, demonstrations and vendors featuring local businesses and organizations.

The cost will be $5 at the door per participant, which will be collected to cover facility rental and other costs. Children 12 and younger will be admitted for free.

Citizens should note that Protect Bartow is not a political event. While candidates are welcome to attend and participate, no political signage or organized campaign activities will be allowed.

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"With the current security concerns and threats of terrorism, it is important that we educate ourselves on what to watch for and how best to protect ourselves and our families," said Cheryl Harris, vice chair of the Bartow County Republican Party and event organizer.

Presentations will be held on active shooter training (from 10 a.m. to noon), homeland security, identity theft, female self-defense and martial arts. There will also be vendors providing information on home and environmental security and gun purchasing.

Participants lined up for the event include U.S. Congressman Barry Loudermilk, who will discuss homeland security; Bartow County Sheriff Clark Millsap, who will provide information on identity theft; and Bartow County Sheriff's Office, which will engage in active shooter training. 

Other participants include the Bartow County School System's Campus Police Department, Stunning Ladies, Owen Security, Bartow Fence, Bartow sheriff's candidates Tommy Culpepper and Steve Holloway of Adairsville Sporting Range, Cartersville Pawn Shop and Frazier’s Tactical Firearms.

The Cartersville Civic Center is located at 435 West Main Street. For up-to-date details about the event, be sure to visit its Facebook page.