The Alberta Party’s constituency association president for Red Deer-South says he’s happy with how the party leadership is shaping out, with three to appear at the Black Knight Inn in Red Deer on Thursday.

“As long as you’ve got two or three quality ones in the mix, that’s all that counts,” said Phil Hyde.

Monday at noon was the deadline to enter the race to replace former leader Greg Clark. The three candidates will be Calgary-South East MLA Rick Fraser, lawyer Kara Levis and former Edmonton mayor Stephen Mandel.

From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday night, Hyde said they will talk about why they’re running, answer questions and mingle with guests.

The vote takes place from Feb. 25-27 using a preferential online ballot.

With the next provincial election coming in 2019, Hyde expects nominations to start soon after the next leader is chosen.

“We want to give our candidates in all 87 constituencies and opportunity to get out there and be known and present their case to the people,” he said.