The Forsyth County Tea Party Patriots and Concerned Citizens of Forsyth County invite the community to join in on the third annual Tax Day Tea Party.

The annual rally drew about 300 people the past two years, said coordinator Ernest Housner, but he’s hopeful to see as many as 500 between 4 and 6 p.m. Friday at the Forsyth County Courthouse in downtown Cumming.

“The movement is growing. It’s grown quite a bit,” he said. “I thought it might be to where it would level off, but we still have people joining.”

While taxes aren’t due until April 18 this year because of a federal holiday, organizer Brad Wilkins said the event will still be held April 15, as most people associate that with tax day.

Plus, “Friday is a good day to get folks’ attention,” Wilkins said.

“It’s open to all conservative citizens in Georgia to come on out and rally in favor of lower taxes and lower spending.”

While previously the event was part of a nationally organized effort, this year, it’s up to individual groups. Wilkins said there are fewer events in Georgia than last year, but “that makes it exciting for Forsyth County because I know folks are coming here from other counties.”

Wilkins said he’s hopeful those who attend will focus on issues that are facing the government this year, specifically on the congressional back-and-forth over cutting taxes.

“Every year, there’s a new battle to be had,” he said. “This year … you’ve got both parties arguing over how much to cut and the Tea Party is challenging them to cut as much as they can and as fast as they can.”

The event features guest speakers who will talk about the Constitution and federal debt, among other topics, Housner said.

Those who plan to attend are encouraged to bring signs, lawn chairs and their voice.

“We’re going to have a wireless [microphone] and we’re going to let it go around and we’re going to let people have one minute to say why they’re here, why they’re happy or unhappy with their government,” Housner said.