The West Gate Mall in Great Falls played host to an evening tea party Tuesday evening, but it might not be what you're thinking. Concerned members of the community came out for this event, led by the Tea Party Patriots, discussing everything from big government spending to the proposed health care bill.

At the center of attention was farming issues, and how the current crisis in the Central valley of California is cause for alarm here in Montana and beyond.

Tea Party Patriots National Coordinator Jenny Beth says, "We're here in Great Falls raising awareness for the farmers in the central valley of California and we want to explain to the people here in great falls how what's happening in the central valley can affect people right here or anywhere in the country"

Ben Bergquam, with the California Central Valley Tea Party, says, "we're here in Great Falls raising awareness for the farmers in the Central Valley of California and we want to explain to the people here in great falls how what's happening in the Central Valley can affect people right here or anywhere in the country. We are taking the message across country that radical environmentalism has to stop. We have seen our valley devastated, the Central Valley of California devastated, for the sake of a fish. And we're telling people to stand up and support farmers over fish and also support the food supply of America. The Central Valley produces 14% of the nation's food supply, and our government has shut it down.”