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LEFT: 'The Red Baron Heron' was one of two creative entries from the R-Board.
Supervisor Paul Milde meets a future voter. You didn't have to be old enough to vote to throw an election.
Aquia supervisor Paul Milde feigns concern as he waits for the pitch. Milde was one of a number of Stafford officials to put their comfort on the line in the dunking booth during the Stafford Day celebration. Proceeds from the booth benefited the Rappahannock Area United Way.
Local businesses and county agencies were given the opportunity to compete in the "Blue Heron Vote." Each group decorated their faux heron according to a theme, and Stafford Day patrons voted for their favorites.
The R-Board's 'Paris Heron' was hot, taking second place in the 'Blue Heron Vote.' |
Even in this uncertain economy, forking over a dollar for the chance to drop a county official in the drink is money well spent.
Stafford residents lined up at the dunking booth, cash in hand, during the Salute to Stafford Day celebration on Saturday. Local luminaries like Aquia District Supervisor Paul Milde, County Administrator Anthony Romanello and Planning Commissioner Archer Di Peppe each took a turn behind bars, and more than a few plunges underwater.
The dunking booth was the newest addition to an annual event that revels in all things Stafford. This year's theme was "International Heritage" and featured music and dancing from around the globe, all performed by county residents. Food and crafts were available, and various local boards and agencies had booths set up with information and interactive displays.
Planning Commissioner and Citizens to Serve Stafford member Ruth Carlone has organized the event since its inception.
"In 1991, I realized that we didn't have an event of our own, so we tried one." she said. "It was very simple."
The event grew, and in 2002, Stafford Parks and Recreation joined Citizens to Serve Stafford. It was a welcome boost for Stafford Day. This year, things got a little more difficult.
"The economy kind of got in the way this year," Carlone said. "Parks and Rec wasn't able to help because of the budget."
Only the hard work of volunteers and a timely grant of $1,000 from CVS pharmacy kept things moving forward.
"The reason we do this," Carlone said, "is to have a special day for kids of all ages in Stafford."
Organizers did not get a head count, but admitted that forecasted rain may have kept some people at home.
Visitors who did make the trip to the Courthouse Community Center were greeted by a George Washington impersonator and the sounds of various local musicians. Children and adventurous adults could paint their faces, and the Stafford education museum was open for people who wanted a glimpse of what Stafford schools used to look like.
People also voted for their favorite Blue Herons: plastic birds decorated by local businesses and county agencies. The Corner Garden Center won for its entry--"Revenge of Koi"--depicting a giant fish swallowing a heron. The R-Board also won for its cardboard airplane pilot, the "Red Baron Heron."
Those taking the plunge in the dunking booth caught a break when the sun broke through the clouds and took the damp chill out of the air. Citizens to Serve Stafford is looking for a similar breakthrough to ensure that Salute to Stafford Day happens in 2009.
"Things look pretty bleak for next year, but we can get it done" Carlone said. "We'll have to see how the budget works out."
To reach Jonas Beals: 540/368-5036
Email: jbeals@freelancestar.com
