All six major party candidates in the three statewide races are expected to be on hand in Buena Vista this Monday, Sept. 1, as Virginia’s fall political campaign kicks off with the city’s 54th annual Labor Day Festival.
These six candidates will likely be appearing at earlymorning political party breakfasts, marching in the parade along Magnolia Avenue and delivering stump speeches at Glen Maury Park. They are (gubernatorial candidates) Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger; (lieutenant governor candidates) Republican John Reid and Democrat Ghazala Hashmi; and (attorney general candidates) Republican Attorney General incumbent Jason Miyares and Democrat Jay Jones.
The Republican Party breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. at the American Legion Post 126 building and the Democratic Party breakfast, also at 7:30, at Parry McCluer High School.
A Kids Fun Run starts at Camden Field at 8, to be followed by a 5K road race through the city at 8:30. The race benefits the Parry McCluer High School cross country team.
The parade begins at 9:30 at Parry McCluer Middle School and winds up at the park, where the bulk of the Labor Day festivities will be taking place. A welcoming ceremony will begin around 11 and will be followed by speeches from candidates and office holders.
The restored historic Paxton House will be open for tours and activities between 11 and 2. In and around the main pavilion will be live music, concessions, carnival games, bounce houses, pony rides and vendors. Magic by Steve and balloon art will be at 1, Rewind will perform at 2 and Movin’ On with Wayne Carter will take the stage at 6.
The day’s festivities will conclude at 9:15 with fireworks.
