Tea Party movement arrives

PILOT MOUNTAIN (By Dean Palmer, The Pilot) — The much publicized “Tea Party” grassroots movement has created quite a stir in recent months as it has drawn thousands to events across the country. That movement has now come to Pilot Mountain and, according to a primary organizer, is providing a voice that in the coming days will surely grow louder.

Three Tea Party meetings have been held in recent weeks at the Mayberry Shazzam Family Entertainment Center. According to Wayne McKinney, owner of the business, each meeting has grown in number as word of the effort has spread primarily through word-of-mouth. The next Tea Party meeting is scheduled for Monday at Mayberry Shazzam, beginning at 7 p.m.

McKinney has served as a primary organizer for the events, along with George and Lynell Alsip. McKinney has worked with the group, FreedomWorks, one of multiple organizations that are promoting tea parties around the country.