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Susan Allen circulated through the crowd talking with supporters while representing her husband, George Allen. Official reports of crowd size are estimated at 15,000-17,000. See more photos of Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan, Trace Adkins, and more.
Two hours before the event was to begin, people were filling the hillside and grassy area in front of the stage.
It was a steady line of people walking in to the fairgrounds. People parked miles away and hit the road to Expoland because traffic was so backed up they were sitting still.
Nation news outfits had cameras set up and ready to go for the rally.
The Waynesboro News Virginian team. From left: reporter Bob Stuart, photographer Rosanne Weber, and publisher Jonathan Hunley.
Before the gates opened, organizers worked to prepare for what would end up being a wildly successful rally.
Long-time Republican-in-the-trenches Trixie Averill who is a member of Lt. Governor Bill Bolling’s gubernatorial team. The Lt. Governor was driving to Fishersville from Richmond and got stopped in traffic on I-64 five miles from the exit. As time approached for the rally to begin — and he was to address the crowd — he was finally rescued by troopers who escorted him to Expo where he went on stage and rallied the crowds with, “HELLO, SHENANDOAH VALLEY!”
SWAC Corps blogger Fishersville Mike and fellow member of Smitty’s <i>Axis of Fedorables</i> at The Other McCain. The rally was practically in his back yard.
Barb was sporting her NRA hat, just one of the freebies they were handing out to supporters. Later that evening Chris Cox and Wayne LaPiere announced the NRA’s endorsement of Mitt Romney for President.
Augusta County Supervisor David Karaffa, 29, and his two daughters. David’s Beverley Manor district includes Expoland where the rally was held.
The fire chief and sheriff were on site for security and emergency coverage.
Marie Quinn and Jane Ladd from Chesterfield Republican Committee drove over to attend the event.
Julie Coggsdale was on the premises and getting down to business.
RPV Chairman Dave Rexrode.
These guys were on the roof of the Expo building. Security was tight with so many dignitaries.
Ken Slack and Bob Stuart in the press area.
This was the CNN news crew. The swept in with the traveling press who arrived on buses, set up a the tables, and got to work. It was rather impressive to watch.
Post: Live-blogging from the event
