WCRC Crab Feast 2009 in pictures and text

Michael

Sep 28, 2009

It was (almost) all about this on Saturday.

If you liked crabs, Schumaker Park was the right place to be on Saturday.

And we had a lot of people to enjoy those crabs and many other delectable delights.

Some of the people chose to set up shop under roof, worried about the possibility of rain...

...while others had to brave that possibility outside. Luckily the weather was quite nice.

They also had the opportunity to pick up a bargain at the silent auction.

This was one of two tables set up for the silent auction, you can see the other in the next photo. One of the two items I donated was that black book 'More Guns, Less Crime' autographed by author John Lott.

This silent auction table was the prettier one. Bonnie Luna was the chief arranger while Woody and Faith Willing deserve credit for coordinating the auction.

This also turns out to be a golden opportunity for local and state officials and politicians to speak before a friendly audience. We were welcomed by WCRC president Marc Kilmer.

WCRC president Marc Kilmer delivered brief opening remarks welcoming the picnicgoers.

Acting as master of ceremonies was Wicomico County GOP chair Dr. John Bartkovich. I think this is our platform for 2010.

It's not quite wearing his emotions on his sleeve, but county GOP chair Dr. John Bartkovich leaves little doubt this is an issue for 2010.

Most of the speeches looked forward to the political battles of 2010, although some took the opportunity to push upcoming events or introduce themselves.

First up was District 37 State Senator Richard Colburn.

State Senator Colburn set the pace with quick remarks pushing his upcoming event.

Fellow State Senator (District 7) and Congressional aspirant Andy Harris has been a frequent visitor over the last 2 years and this year was no different.

State Senator Andy Harris makes a point about his expected Democratic opponent Frank Kratovil.

We were pleased to see District 37B Delegate Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio also make the trip down to support our group and say a few words.

Delegate Jeannie Haddaway made the trip down to Wicomico County to eat and speak to our group. She represents parts of western Wicomico County.

Her fellow Delegate had a somewhat shorter trip, and District 38A Delegate Page Elmore didn't make any groundbreaking announcements during his remarks.

Is a run for the Maryland Senate in his future? If so, Page Elmore didn't tell us.

Another well-traveled guest and former General Assembly member got a turn at the microphone. Some say Ellen Sauerbrey was the Governor elected but not selected.

Ellen Sauerbrey, 1994 and 1998 GOP candidate for governor, and more recently an Assistant Secretary of State, addressed our gathering.

The one candidate not familiar to us is one of several running to unseat Barbara Mikulski in the United States Senate. Daniel McAndrew took the opportunity to fill us in a little bit on his platform and plans.

Soft-spoken Daniel McAndrew made the visit to Wicomico County to meet the local players.

The other Senate aspirant to grace our makeshift stage was the much more passionate Jim Rutledge. He had the advantage of being a somewhat better known quantity since he's addressed the WCRC before.

Jim Rutledge was perhaps our most animated and passionate speaker of the afternoon.

Two other officeseekers who were somewhat familiar to Wicomico voters wrapped up the proceedings. Mike McDermott is the Mayor of Pocomoke City and is bidding to represent the eastern half of Wicomico County (along with Worcester County) in Annapolis as a Delegate in District 38B.

Mike McDermott compared his success in bringing jobs to Pocomoke City with the failed record of a certain Governor, and related to us how he reminded O'Malley about his approach.

He was even prepared with a first batch of signage.

These are pretty attractive signs - you might find one in my yard as the months progress.

The final man seeking office was familiar to some because he'd ran in 2006. Michael James is still coy about just what District 38 post he'll seek though.

The shirt says he's running for the General Assembly, but whether that's as Delegate or Senator is not official yet.

While he didn't speak, it's worthwhile to note that another popular Republican was in the house, as it were.

Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis (left) discusses issues with U.S. Senate candidate Jim Rutledge. Or maybe it was the khaki pants almost every candidate wore while Sheriff Lewis was content to be seen in his blue jeans.

It was also great to see a nice contingent of Lower Shore Young Republicans (many of whom are also WCRC members) there, but several College Republicans from Salisbury University also turned out, an encouraging sign.

Certainly they were helpful in taking care of the kegs, but it's good to see the College Republicans making their show of support. Dave Parker (left, in yellow) is their advisor.

Frankly, I was surprised with the great turnout given the poor weather forecast. But we lucked out and the rain held off long enough to get the event in. Next year's event will certainly be a popular one with many more speakers as local candidates will take center stage in September 2010.

WCRC Crab Feast 2009 in pictures and text

Discussion about this post