Coffee & Conversations
Before I went to sleep, I checked my calendar and was disappointed to find a Coffee & Conversations meeting in the early morning hosted by the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce. Many of the members who often show up were in the VIP section, shaking hands with the King & Queen on their official visit yesterday, so sleeping in was not possible after all the events on Thursday.
Traffic was light, and all of the fencing, gates, and concrete barriers had been removed. Many of the community’s business leaders were buzzing with excitement as they spoke about their interactions with the King & Queen. One of my friends shook the King’s hand and had a brief conversation before security ushered him to the next person in line, and a video was recorded as proof.
Conversations
This month, Robert MacDougal interviewed Jeanine Clark of Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions about the organization’s offerings. I was more familiar with Andy, who often comes by the Chamber to help out and provide guidance. I learned that some counties without an EDA director will pool resources into a cooperative that helps multiple counties identify economic opportunities. It’s a more cost-effective way to get started, as it can be hard to see immediate results when launching economic development, and constituents may start complaining about wasted money until they see an increase in revenue or a reduction in taxes.
Chairs For Royalty
Afterward, I headed over to the Gazebo at John Marlow Plaza to park and visit a few of the shops on Main Street to catch up on the latest gossip and buzz. I noticed that the tent was still up with a few people from Jefferson Rentals packing up tables and two white thrones. A cameraman was filming the chairs before moving to other parts of the town for some B-Roll, and I approached the staff to ask if I could sit in one of the thrones and get a photo. One of the staff pointed to the other, who was on a video call with the owner and faced the screen at me. “He just wants to sit in a chair with a photo? That’s okay!”
The first chair had a tie-down strap in view, so I sat in the chair next to it for the shot. I don’t know if the King & Queen sat in either chair, but at least I can say I sat in a chair meant for Royalty. I later emailed the town’s mayor, Town Manager, and Events & Tourism manager, suggesting they reach out to the company and consider purchasing the chairs for a permanent installation so that tourists may come and do the same in the future.
The Buzz on Main Street
Long Lines
I then visited a few of the shops on Main Street to catch up on the latest gossip and buzz. I heard that people in line at one of the security checkpoints were being sent to my line, which is why I saw so many people walking past me yesterday. I also heard that the line wrapped around at Royal & Chester Street, and almost doubled back on itself along Crescent Street once it reached the secured perimeter. No one was being allowed to cross the line to get the tail end, so everyone had to walk the full length. Given this update, it seemed the line was only 4,200 feet long, rather than a mile, but it could have split and continued down towards Wendy’s for the full mile.
Given how late the King & Queen arrived, it seemed possible that someone could get through security in a matter of minutes by simply waiting until noon or 1 pm, after most people had already gone through. The only problem would be parking.
Rumor Mill
Some of us talked about security and whether any other incidents occurred. I heard reports from various sources throughout the day that many people were shaken down after exiting stores, even when they were just peering in. There was other news that someone important was arrested for DWI, but I couldn’t find any of the usual people who talk about scandals and such online, or locate a police blotter to verify it. It didn’t happen in the court of public opinion until you can find people talking about it, so that’s how rumors go. I suspect most small towns thrive on these kinds of rumors. It’s a surprise that the royal visit was so tightly-lipped for so long.
Security Stories
Some of the business owners talked about notices they received from the Secret Service regarding second-story windows being open. Snipers were visibly positioned on rooftops throughout downtown, and several people claimed they were warned that repeatedly opening windows could draw serious attention from security. Others reported that they were simply instructed to keep all windows closed without any dramatic threats, and that many people living in second-floor apartments around town weren’t even notified. One person arrived home and opened their window a small crack to let the air in, but was warned about the Secret Service requirement. The residents of Main Street appear to have survived without incident.
The Block Party That Wasn’t
I learned that the original plan for Main Street was to host a block party after the King and Queen had left, and that the streets would be opened to pedestrians to move about, use the food trucks, and visit local businesses. The delay of the arrival from 11 am to 2 pm seemed to be the cause of the change of plans. The parade was criticized for its tiny size. It felt heavily curated, almost as if the town were presenting a carefully managed version of itself to international visitors, rather than how it is in reality. What the King & Queen want to see is what they get.
250th Anniversary of What?
It seemed that the town was playing everything by ear as plans changed, and the food trucks may not have planned to stay so long afterward. I expressed my frustration that, for a 250th-anniversary celebration event, the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and other colonial educational organizations, as well as others that do reenactments, were neither invited nor notified. I wasn’t sure whether to put on my Minute Man outfit since it was the 250th anniversary, or risk getting too much attention from security and drawing too much attention for the town’s comfort, being that it’s all white and asked to leave or change. In my eyes, nothing was relevant to the anniversary – not even in the parade. Even the band that played live music didn’t play anything relevant. Take Me Home, Country Roads was released in 1971. Although it talks about West Virginia, at least it mentions the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River, which are present in our little town.
Freedom From Security
After yesterday’s invasive security check after leaving Fleetwood Vintage, I hadn’t returned to pick up the item that I wanted. I went back today and purchased it. I also purchased some saltwater taffy candy at White Picket Fence and Reed’s Root Beer candy, along with some gourmet dog treats, at Dusty’s County Store. It felt refreshing to be able to visit each store without worry of security at every door wanting me to empty my pockets and be scanned with a wand, or pull at my shirt and point to my pacemaker.
Rain Check at The Main Street Mill
I missed breakfast at the Main Street Mill on the day prior due to all of the security. It was still on my mind, and I decided to stop by for some lunch. I ordered one of the daily specials, which consisted of an open-faced chili cheese sandwich and a side of macaroni. I also grabbed a coffee.
Since the side where I was seated was mostly empty, it was the perfect time to take in a panoramic view of the countryside mural that wrapped around three walls. I often wonder who painted it. I suspect it was Patricia Windrow, who has painted murals around town with a similar style, such as the one inside the visitors center and the National Zoo mural on a building behind Main Street.
Before I left Main Street, there was a reporter I didn’t recognize, along with a cameraman and lighting crew (in the middle of a sunny day), standing in front of the bank that’s been closed for years next to Blue Ridge Arts Center. He was likely from one of the larger media outlets in Northern Virginia or DC. I assumed he was reporting on the royal visit, but as I listened in, he was focusing more on the county’s property tax increase instead. I suppose the nation wants a little insight into our small town’s political controversies now that we’re on the map. Or perhaps he had simply been left behind by the press pool and was making use of the extra time before a long trip home.
Checking In With Relatives
Later, I talked with my Aunt to check in on my Uncle, as he often follows the Royal Family. They weren’t aware that I got to see the King & Queen, were surprised that I saw them at all, and were shocked by how close I was to royalty. They visit England often to see where my uncle grew up, and they have never seen the King and Queen in person. On Google Maps, I was 80 feet away.
