Political parties in the area have plans for fundraising barbecues this weekend. The menus include good food and a lot of campaign talk.

The Northwest Missouri Central Labor Council and the Northwest Missouri Progressive Democrats will have their annual barbecue Friday and Saturday in St. Joseph, while Congressman Sam Graves hosts the 6th District Grand Ol' Picnic Saturday in Cameron, Mo.

The Republican event will run from 4 to 8 p.m. at McCorkle Park in Cameron, with the Mandrell Sisters as the featured guests.

There will be barbecue for supper, with frozen custard for dessert. For the young attendees, there will be caricatures, a moonbounce and pony rides.

The cost of the event is $25 a family. The park is located between Third and Fourth streets and Cherry and Chestnut streets.

On Friday night, the Democrats will hear from statewide candidates Sam Page (running for lieutenant governor) and Chris Koster (running for attorney general). Other speakers will be 6th District congressional candidate Kay Barnes, 27th District state Rep. Ed Wildberger and 28th District Missouri House candidate Mark Sheehan.

On Saturday, state treasurer candidate Clint Zweifel will have the stage, along with 29th District state Rep. Martin Rucker, Buchanan County Commission candidates Rosie Haertling and Ron Hook, and Ms. Barnes.

The Democratic event will be held at Callison Hall, 1220 S. 10th St., both nights from 5 to 7 p.m.

Tickets, priced at $10, are available from club members or at the door. The price includes dinner, beverage and dessert.

For more information about the event, contact Frederica Nix at 233-7510.