The Libertarian Party of North Carolina will celebrate its 40th anniversary during their annual state convention April 22 to 24 at Raleigh's Holiday Inn Crabtree Valley Mall.

Arlan Andrews, the party's first gubernatorial candidate, will be the guest of honor. Andrews is now a renowned futurist and science fiction writer. He was the party's standard-bearer in 1976.

“We've also invited as many of the party's founders as we could find,” said J.J. Summerell, party chair.

“We hope to hear them share their stories about the LPNC back in the '70s and our ultimately successful struggles to attain ballot access in North Carolina.”

“But mostly we'll be looking forward to how we can achieve our vision of a free, peaceful, and prosperous North Carolina where every individual has the opportunity to pursue his or her unique vision of a rewarding and enriching life,” Summerell said.

There will a candidate forum Saturday afternoon featuring several of the candidates for the Libertarian presidential nomination. A second forum will feature the libertarian candidates for candidates for U.S. Senate, governor, and lieutenant governor, as well as several General Assembly candidates.

Convention business sessions will include consideration of revisions to the party platform, election of delegates to the Libertarian National Convention to be held in Orlando May 27-30, and filling vacancies on the state executive committee.