WAKEFIELD, Va. --- The scent of smoked fish cascaded through the air as a James Taylor imitator serenaded throngs of chatty Virginians gathered at the 55th annual Shad Planking.
Held every third Wednesday in April, the political tradition encourages citizens and politicians to mingle, temporarily putting aside their differences in exchange for beer and shad, a seasonal fish from the James River.
"You've got Republicans and Democrats and they're not at each other's throats," said Bill Tierney, president of Capitol Communications, an Arizona-based company that does business with the Republican National Committee. "We've got no political equivalent of this in Arizona."
Sponsored by the Wakefield Ruritan Club since 1949, Shad Planking gives candidates an opportunity to campaign and speak to constituents.
As this year's speaker, Gov. Mark R. Warner traded partisan remarks for jokes about the state budget crisis, saying there was not even enough money to purchase new curtains for his office.
"I've got to tell you, we're still using [former Virginia Gov.] Gilmore's drapes," Warner said, adding, "It's great to be with a whole bunch of people who love to talk Virginia politics."
U.S. Senator George Allen, R-Va., said he enjoyed the opportunity to take a break from Washington, D.C.
"It's fun, people are out here, it's nice weather," Allen said. "You don't have to wear a suit and tie."
While there was a comparative absence of campaign paraphernalia, as 2003 is not a gubernatorial election year, supporters of current elected officials did not hesitate to display their approval, donning stickers and asking Warner and Allen for autographs.
In addition to dispensing literature from Virginia's Democratic and Republican parties, attendees showed their enthusiasm by drinking out of cups decorated with their politicians of choice.
"This is one of the premier events in Virginia," Allen spokesman Mike Waldron said. "It's a historical event."
Mark Ailsworth, a resident of Newport News, said this year's Shad Planking was much different than what he remembered.
"Twenty years ago, it was all males and all white," Ailsworth said. "It was a completely different environment."
Ailsworth, a lobbyist for the Home Building Industry, recalled his favorite Shad Planking memory -- a quote from then-Congressman Bill Whitehurst.
"He said going to Russia was kind of like Shad Planking," Ailsworth said. "Everyone should do it once, but anybody who does it twice is a damn fool."
Warner ended his speech on a serious note, urging Virginians to be reflective during a time of war.
"Shad Planking is a lot about reminding us what's right about America," he said. "All the things that separate us are slim compared to what bind us."
Read More
U.Va. Faculty Senate overwhelmingly adopts a no confidence vote in Board of Visitors
By Xander Tilock | Yesterday"The Faculty Senate expresses no confidence in the Board of Visitors for not protecting the University and its president from outside interference," the resolution read.
Faculty Senate Executives hear from Rector Sheridan and Vice Rector Wilkinson
By Xander Tilock and Grace Traxler | 2 days agoRectors were in attendance for part of Wednesday’s emergency meeting and were asked about the interim president selection process.
Student leaders weigh the future of self-governance after Ryan's departure
By Brendon Bordwine | 3 days agoThe University has a historical tradition of student self-governance, which allows students to take part in decision-making processes.
