Iowa GOP plans Halloween party

DES MOINES - The Republican Party of Iowa is putting on a Halloween event with presidential candidates.

The party announced Thursday it will host its inaugural Growth and Opportunity Party on Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

The party has invited all Republican presidential candidates. Six have accepted so far: Carly Fiorina, Scott Walker, Rick Santorum, Bobby Jindal, Rick Perry and Jeb Bush.

The party said the event will have the feel of a 'fall festival or county fair” with candidate and vendor booths, highlight Iowa's 'fall harvest, local fare and caucus politics” and provide candidates the opportunity to make their cases to likely Republican caucusgoers.

'The Growth and Opportunity Party will help energize our grassroots and showcase our many impressive presidential candidates,” Republican Party of Iowa chairman Jeff Kaufmann said in a news release. 'While Hillary Clinton and Democrats figure out new ways to divide us, Republicans will be coming together for a vigorous and productive debate on how to grow our economy and provide opportunity for all Americans.”

Earlier this year, the party canceled its Straw Poll, a significant fundraiser that had been held the year prior to presidential elections with a competitive Republican primary. The move was made under scrutiny from national Republicans amid concerns about the event's pay-for-play nature and the appearance it gave Iowa two first-in-the-nation nominating events.

Charlie Szold, a spokesman for the Republican Party of Iowa, said the new event was not designed to replace the Straw Poll but rather to provide a 'family-friendly event for Iowa activists.”

If You Go

' What: Iowa GOP Growth and Opportunity Party

' When: 10:30 a.m. Oct. 31

' Where: Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines

' Tickets: $10 general admission, children under 12 free; $15 for ticket plus meal; $250 for VIP reception ticket; tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com.