6-18-25 GOP Birthday Bash

American Patriotism at its finest -Sponsored by Suwannee County Republican Party

Vehicles from the caravan that began in Branford, parked in front of the Live Oak Coliseum, Saturday, during the Great American Birthday Bash. -SVT Photos by Tami Stevenson

By Tami Stevenson

On June 14, 2025, in honor and celebration of our Army’s 250th birthday, President Donald Trump’s birthday and Flag Day, the Suwannee County Republican Party (Suwannee GOP) held The Great American Birthday Bash & Caravan.

A convoy of patriots began at Rabbit’s Olde School Barber Shop, in Branford, with more than 50 vehicles of every shape and size, donned with American flags and patriotic apparel. They traveled from Branford to the Live Oak Coliseum up Highway 129, to honor and celebrate their love for America.

“What a great day to celebrate the birthday of President Trump, the Army and Old Glory!” Just a wonderful day to show out and be a patriot,” Suwannee GOP Treasurer Karen Swart said. “The gathering of all the vehicles for the parade in Branford is always a lot of fun. The convoys with trucks and flags and the patriots, Branford’s just all about that. It’s a fun place to start.”

Live music was provided by the Little Bit More band while visitors enjoyed food, games, a silent auction, line dancing and more.
Proceeds from the event went to support patriotic efforts in Suwannee County, including youth education and involvement, voter education, registration and turnout.

The Suwannee GOP meets the first Thursday of each month at Live Oak City Hall, located at 101 White Ave SE, in Live Oak. Their mailing address is PO Box 633, Live Oak, FL 32064

Locals gathered in Live Oak’s Coliseum to honor and celebrate Flag Day, the Army’s 250th birthday and President Trump’s birthday at the Great American Birthday Bash and Caravan. -SVT Photo

The crowd enjoyed visiting and were happy to be a part of the patriotic festivities to celebrate our Army’s 250th birthday, President Trump’s birthday and Old Glory! -SVT Photos by Tami Stevenson

The Shields family and the Hernandez family. Hernandez said they are there today, “Because we love our country.” He added, “We’re all veterans, and we love our president and our flag.” Hernandez is an Army Veteran and Shields is Navy. Shields said they were there today because it is a family event and to support America. -SVT Photo

Little Bit More provided the live music for the Birthday Bash. From L-R: Chuck Partin, Pat Harris behind the drums, Jesse Smith and Ryne Allen. -SVT Photo

Photo with President Trump - Jim and Andrea Cannington. Jim said they were there today, “To stand up for our country and all the great support that we have in our community. We’re making sure that we stand behind all our republican friends.”

L-R: Shirley Massey and Suwannee GOP Treasurer Karen Swart were selling patriotic t-shirts. -SVT Photo

L-R: American Patriots Publicity Chairman Anda Chance, Sergeant of Arms Cheryl Pruitt and American Patriots President Virginia Smith had a table at the Birthday Bash. -SVT Photo