South Whidbey Republicans will meet Saturday for developing the party’s platform and electing delegates to the county convention.

The GOP precinct caucus for the South End will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 13 in the 4-H Building at the Island County Fairgrounds in Langley. Because the caucus must start promptly at 10 a.m., doors will open at 8 a.m., and attendees should come early.

North Whidbey Republicans will caucus in the new student union building at Oak Harbor High School.

Organizers are expecting a big crowd.

Mary Jane Olson, a former state committeewoman and a Republican Glendale precinct officer since 1998, recalled the overwhelming caucuses for Democrats and Republicans two years ago.

“I remember when we could fit the whole caucus for South Whidbey in the Bayview Senior Center,” she said.

In 2008, though, “there was standing-room-only at Trinity Lutheran Church,” she said.

“Easily I expect to have as many as we had two years ago or more,” Olson added.

“The independents are wanting to get involved; the Tea Party has generated a grassroots movement,” she said, pointing to the valid concerns people have about the economy and the state of the nation.

“All that is coming home to roost,” she said.

All Republicans, and those who support the Republican candidates and principles, are invited to the caucus.

Attendees who want to promote a plank or nominate themselves or someone else as a delegate must sign a pledge that they consider themselves to be a Republican.

Attendees should also bring a voter registration card and proof of residency (driver’s license) to help make registration faster and smoother.

Observers may attend and watch but not participate in the business of the caucus. Students and teachers are welcome.

For more information, e-mail Olson at czarina@whidbey.com.