THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 20, 1995 TAG: 9504200500
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
DATELINE: WAKEFIELD LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
Virginia politicos gathered beneath pine trees Wednesday for the annual Shad Planking, a spring ritual in which campaign buttons blossom like dogwoods and servings of bony fish are washed down with bourbon and beer.
The honor of the keynote address fell to Gov. George Allen, who encapsulated his administration's accomplishments, including reform of the state's parole and welfare systems.
The Republican chief executive kept his remarks under 15 minutes, noting that despite the event's reputation for politicking, spectators were less interested in hanging on his every word than ``hanging on to every tree.''
Allen did not mention the General Assembly elections this November, in which all 140 legislative seats will be on the ballot. The stakes are higher than ever, with Democrats trying to hold on to their historic power and Republicans needing only six seats to capture majorities in the state Senate and House of Delegates.
About 3,000 people turned out in summerlike weather. The Shad Planking has evolved from an insular gathering of white Democrats to a festival-like event that attracts a number of women, Republicans and a smattering of African Americans. ILLUSTRATION: Surely you've planked shad!
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Gov. George F. Allen gives a thumbs-up to the crowd at the
Wakefield Shad Planking on Wednesday. The event used to be a place
for white Democrats, but now it attracts a variety.
by CNB