CLEVELAND -- A Cleveland group dubbed the 'Tea Party Patriots' gathered in front of the Free Stamp at Cleveland's Willard Park on Friday afternoon.

The group, which works in conjunction with the nationwide 'Tea Party' movement, organized the event in an effort to celebrate our country's independence and to protest what they call the "tax and spend politicians of today."

'Tea Party' supporters numbered in the hundreds as they gathered under cloudy skies that threatened rain.

Guest speakers included Tom Ganley, a 2010 U.S. Senate candidate, as well as speakers from various grassroots organizations.

The 'Tea Party' movement gained popularity after a series of rallies that were held across the country on Tax Day earlier this year.

Supporters are planning other rallies across the country again, including a rally in Dallas on July 4th that aims to attract as many as 50,000 supporters.