On Wednesday, hundreds of people turned out for the annual Washington Parish Republican Women’s tasting luncheon.

Joannie Miller, the president of the group, said fundraiser was a hit.

“It was great,” she said. “We were really happy with everything. We know we did over 300, which is always our goal. We added a silent auction this year, which we did at the last minute but we still raised some funds there.”

The luncheon is a potluck affair held at ESM United Methodist Church and it serves as an opportunity for citizens to try homemade foods and mingle with politicians and political hopefuls. This year’s event drew at least two of the U.S. Senate candidates, Col. Rob Maness and Donald “Crawdaddy” Crawford. Also in attendance were local elected leaders, including Bogalusa Mayor Wendy Perrette, Sheriff Randy Seal and State Sen. Beth Mizell. Miller said State Rep. Malinda White was out of town and could not attend.

“I was pleased with the turnout as far as the candidates,” Miller said.

The annual tasting event is the only fundraiser held by the women’s group, so Miller said she was pleased the event was a hit.

“It was a really good turnout and everybody was highly complimentary of the food,” she said.

As this is a presidential election year, Miller said she hopes everyone will remember to go vote.

“That’s so important,” she said. “Early vote if (you) can or on Election Day, Nov. 8.”