12 Years Ago: 10,000 at Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan Augusta County Rally
[Editor’s note: Facebook memories reminded of the largest political gathering I’ve ever seen in the Staunton-Waynesboro-Augusta County area: 2012’s October rally held at Augusta County’s Expoland in Fishersville headlined by the GOP presidential ticket made up of Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan. National media covered the event, and I covered it by live-blogging and photographing for Bearing Drift.
On a stunning October afternoon that went into the night, Virginia Republicans came out to support the ticket including Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, Susan Allen, local politicians, area Republicans, and supporters from throughout the area. Entertainment was by country music star Trace Adkins. It was an amazing night with a crowd estimated to be more than 10,000 that caused a huge traffic jam on I-64 as people tried to get into the fair grounds. Here are photos from that event because, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Enjoy!]
The stage for Thursday’s Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan rally in Fishersville, Virginia, had the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, and a crowd that was estimated at more than 10,000. Cars were backed up for five miles on I-64 and supporters were reporting that it took two hours to go three miles. Gates were closed at capacity and the overflow sat on a hill that overlooked the stage.
Susan Allen worked her way through supporters and also spoke during the rally. Some of the biggest cheers during the night were for George Allen.
National media covered the event.
Country music star Trace Adkins
The press area after dark.
The evening ended with fireworks against the dark Shenandoah Valley sky.
Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, Trace Adkins
After the rally, Mitt Romney walked into the crowd and began shaking hands with supporters. He spent a good 10-15 minutes doing that as the media stood on stage with their cameras aimed toward the ground to catch his movement through the crowd.
Susan Allen represented her husband, U.S. Senate candidate George Allen, and got huge cheers from the crowd when she mentioned her husband’s name. George Allen is loved in the Shenandoah Valley.
Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling was introduced by Susan Allen and gave a rousing, “Hello, Shenandoah Valley!” His booming voice rallied the troops.
Carl Cameron with Fox News Channel
See also:
– Faces in the crowd … more photos from Romney-Ryan rally in Fishersville
– Live-blogging Mitt Romney & Paul Ryan in the Valley
– Today … Augusta County is center of GOP presidential campaign
– Romney-Ryan in Fishersville: First photos of event