Thousands of Republicans from across Virginia will gather Saturday for the sixth annual Republican Round-Up hosted by Republican Whip Eric Cantor in his 7th Congressional District.
Bob McDonnell speaks at 2009 Republican Round-Up while 7th Congressional District Chairman Linwood Cobb and Rep. Eric Cantor listen. Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell.
With forecasts predicting a sunny day in the 70s, and with over 4,200 RSVPs already received, it may prove to be the largest Round-Up to date.
A combination of a family hoe-down and a Republican pep rally, the Roundup offers an opportunity for elected officials to interact with their supporters and volunteers for the final push until election day, and to thank them for their support and hard work.
The free family event has been successful year after year at turning out members of the community, activists from across the Commonwealth, and GOP elected officials who take the opportunity to address the huge crowd.
The autumn gathering, complete with hay bales, pumpkins, and chrysanthemums decorating the grounds, provides a huge outdoor tent set up at the Innsbrook Pavilion west of Richmond. It will feature, for the second year in a row, a bloggers row that will include writers from Virginia’s very active conservative blogosphere.
In 2009, statewide candidates Bob McDonnell, who went on to win the Governor’s race in the historic GOP sweep, and Ken Cuccinelli, who went on to win as Attorney General, joined Rep. Cantor on stage to rally the crowd in the remaining weeks until election day.
Kiddie activities in the past they have included a climbing wall, bouncy-bounces, barrel train, pony rides, face paintings, cotton candy, popcorn, and other ways to entertain the young ones. The Republican women usually have booths set up on the grounds with GOP goods and candidate materials.
Guests enjoy a picnic supper cooked up by Brock’s Barbecue who usually provide BBQ, hot dogs, and sides. Long rows of tables under the tent offer a comfortable area to eat, fellowship, and listen to live music until the political speeches begin.
The fun run from 4:00-7:00 pm on Saturday, October 2, at Innsbrook Pavilion in Glen Allen. Check out the Republican Round-Up website to RSVP and for more information and directions. Rain or shine, the Republican Round-Up will go on.
