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Buena Vista’s 52nd Laborfest observance is slated for this Monday, Sept. 4, when the city holds its annual celebration of working men and women that includes a kickoff to the fall political campaign.
All six candidates for three reconfigured districts in the General Assembly that encompass all or portions of the Rockbridge area have been invited to attend local political party breakfasts, participate in the parade along Magnolia Avenue and deliver stump speeches at Glen Maury Park.
These candidates include Republican Del. Christopher Head and Democrat Jane Harris for state Senate District 3, Republican Del. Ellen Campbell and Democrat Randall Wolf for House of Delegates District 36 and Republican Del. Terry Austin and Democrat Stephanie Clark for House of Delegates District 37.
The local Democratic committee is holding its breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at Parry McCluer High School and the local Republican committee is holding its breakfast at 7:45 a.m. at the American Legion building.
The Labor Day 5K road race, a benefit for the PMHS cross country teams, is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. from Camden Field. A kids fun run will precede the road race at 8 a.m. at Camden Field.
The Buena Vista Labor Day parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at Parry McCluer Middle School. The parade route follows Magnolia Avenue to 10th Street, winding up at Glen Maury Park.
An opening ceremony at the park’s main pavilion is at 11 and will be followed by speeches from politicians and office holders. In addition to the aforementioned candidates for the General Assembly, those giving stump speeches will include Congressman Ben Cline of the Sixth District and candidates for various local offices.
A new addition to the celebration this year will be a skateboarding event at the Oyler Pavilion from noon to 4 p.m. that is occurring courtesy of the Greater Rockbridge County Skateboarder Coalition. A portable skatepark that was funded by a grant from Carilion Clinic will be set up and open to skateboarders, scooter riders, roller skaters and roller bladers. A deejay will be playing music for the skaters.
As always, music is a big part of Buena Vista’s Laborfest. Mark Cline’s Jack Flash Stones Review will be presented at the park’s main pavilion beginning at 12:30 p.m. The Party Crashers will take the stage from 2 to 5 p.m. and Movin’ On with Wayne Carter will be the featured musical act from 6 to 9 p.m.
Concessions, carnival games, bounce houses and pony rides will be offered in and around the main pavilion throughout the day. The historic Paxton House will be open for tours and activities from noon to 2:30 p.m.
The Labor Day celebration culminates with a fireworks display at around 9:15 p.m.
