Ticket Price on the day of the event is $30. Buy now.
"The Spring Rite of Virginia Politics!"
The Shad Planking traces its origin to the early 1930s when a group of friends gathered together at Wrenn’s Mill in Isle Of Wight County during the spring running of the shad in the James River.
They planked the shad after the tradition of native Virginia Indians and they talked politics after the tradition of their fathers before them. As the tradition grew, the Wakefield Ruritan Club assumed sponsorship of the event in 1949. Generations of Virginia politicians have attended and addressed the Shad Planking gathering.
The gathering is truly a unique assembly of the many and varying views of the people and politics of Virginia. It has come to be an important event in the political life of the Commonwealth. In 2016 some of Virginia's most important people and candidates from both sides of the aisle will speak including a former governor of Virginia and presidential candidate and candidates for the 4th US Congressional district.
Country Music Sensation, Jackson Ward, and Richmond Metro Local Legend, Sportsbar Rockstar will be providing entertainment. The Shad Planking has some of the best music the great State of Virginia has to offer. Do not miss it!
2016 also introduces two new and amazing additions: the Grapes and Grains Festival and the Presidential Straw Poll. Now, your ticket grants you tastes of Virginia's best wines and whiskeys and one vote in the bipartisan Presidential Straw Poll. The Shad Planking truely is the best event in the entire state of Virginia and all of the funds raised from the event are invested within the Wakefield Community and support community organizations.
