Don Gaines believes the U.S. government is headed on a path toward socialism, and Saturday he hopes to do his part to stop it.

Gaines, who has lived in Andalusia for 23 years, is the founder of the “Covington County Tea Party Patriots,” who will hold their first “tea party” Saturday on the Court Square from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.

“I’ve never done anything like this before, so I don’t know what to expect,” Gaines said. “It will be a demonstration and a chance for people to get together and let our government know we don’t like the direction they’re headed in.”

Gaines said he is especially concerned about a climate change summit planned in Copenhagen, Denmark, next month. He believes if President Barack Obama signs a climate change treaty there, the U.S. will become a part of a “one-world government.”

“We’d be throwing away our constitution,” he said. “I just want to make people aware of what is going on, and hopefully get the news out.”

In addition, Gaines is worried about health care reform, which he believes is socialism. However, he said he is proud of the work of local delegates in Washington, D.C.

“I don’t think we can complain too much,” he said. “Our politicians have been good for us and they seem to look out for us.”

Gaines said the tea party would be a social gathering; no specific speakers or events are scheduled. All are invited and are welcome to bring chairs, blankets and snacks and drinks.

For more information about the tea party and the Covington County Tea Party Patriots, visit online at www.teapartypatriots.org/Group/Covington_County_Alabama .