This past weekend’s Guinea Jubilee didn’t go off quite as planned, as off-and-on rains caused the cancellation of some events and sent vendors hustling to break down their tents, with an early end to activities on Saturday.
“Your community spirit shines through, rain or shine, and we truly appreciate each of you who helps keep the Jubilee tradition alive,” said a social media post made shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday, announcing the early closing of the event.
“Despite the stormy start to Friday, the first day of the Guinea Jubilee was well attended and our new kickoff format recognizing the Queen’s Court and the Grand Marshal was well received with much more community participation,” said Guinea Jubilee chair Melissa Ashe.
Among the casualties of the storms included the Touch-a-Truck event for youngsters, the crab pot pulling, anchor toss, kids’ buoy toss and oyster shucking watermen’s contests (as Friday night’s rainfall made the area unusable) and the fireworks show to end the festival.
Some of the entertainment did go ahead as planned, as well as Saturday morning’s 5K and Kids’ Crabby Fun Run.
“A few dedicated community members braved the rain to support our vendors and musicians, but as the storms intensified and we were forced to close early,” Ashe said.
5K Run
Thirty-six runners participated in the 5K, with 24-year-old Josh Shackelford of Williamsburg, the top winner, finishing the race in a time of 19:32. Katherine Boivin, 56, of Hayes, was the overall female winner with a time of 28:58.
Opening ceremonies
As Ashe said, Friday night’s opening ceremonies went ahead as planned. Pastor Billy West was master of ceremonies.
Last year’s grand marshal, Shirley West Hogge, gave a tribute to Dr. Chuck Davis, who began the Jubilee at Plaza Pharmacy in 1979. Davis passed away in January.
Mr. and Mrs. Grand Marshal
Hamilton Williams introduced this year’s grand marshals—Ronnie and Viola West.
“Our selection committee, for the first time ever, has added a new and improved ‘look’ to our grand marshal position,” Williams said as he introduced this year’s honorees. “You remember back in 1994 we had father/son co-grand marshals in Vendell Kellum Sr. and Vendell Kellum Jr. Well, this year, our selection is a first-ever Mr. and Mrs. co-grand marshals.”
Ronnie West graduated from Gloucester High School in 1973, but he’d already been working as a “cull-boy” for his dad and Ed Kellum since he was 13, Williams said. “Then, after his graduation, and here is an employment twist I didn’t see coming—because of his mechanical skills, he went to work for Jimmy Harris at Harris Garage for a year and a half,” he added.
Realizing he could earn more as a full-time waterman, he joined his father in crabbing, oystering and sometimes fishing. When the oyster business took a major disease hit in the late 1980s, they switched over almost exclusively to crabbing.
In 1991, he bought his own boat from Bennie Belvin, a 42-foot boat that once belonged to Carroll Belvin, the “Brenda Gail.” He renamed her, giving her the name of the Wests’ then 6-year-old daughter, “Monika E.”
Williams then detailed the couple’s career, including the Virginia Blue Crab business, managed by Viola, and the purchase of a new fiberglass “Monika E” in 1998. The couple retired in 2021.
“This focused team established goals and met them, and retired to enjoy their lives,” he said.
“And, as you probably know, this dedicated couple, as of a Feb. 8 diagnosis, is facing another challenge together,” Williams said, referring to a medical diagnosis for Ronnie West. “We know with the Lord’s blessings and guidance they, together, will be successful with this as in their other team endeavors,” he concluded.
Williams then presented Ronnie and Viola with a framed copy of this year’s Guinea Jubilee print.
Friday night’s opening ceremony also included the introduction of the Queen’s Court—Guinea Jubilee Queen Gracie Setterholm, Junior Miss Braelyn Owens and Little Miss Waverly Winstead; and Tracy Hill singing the National Anthem.
“We’re already looking forward to next year—and hoping for better weather,” Ashe said.
The Guinea Jubilee Committee will be starting plans for next year soon, “and we’d love to have more community involvement,” Ashe said. If anyone is interested in volunteering or supporting the event in any way, reach out to the Guinea Jubilee or Guinea Heritage Association.
A nearly empty field is what greeted those who were brave enough to attend the Guinea Jubilee on Saturday morning.
Vendors and exhibitors who stayed at the Guinea Jubilee set up their booths under the pavilion.
CHARLIE KOENIG / GAZETTE-JOURNAL
The inclement weather didn’t keep away the candidates on Saturday morning at the Guinea Jubilee. In left photo, 68th House of Delegates District Democratic candidate Elaine Walters (center, who had taken part in that morning’s 5K) is shown here with, at left, Gloucester Democrats secretary SaraJane Troxel and chair Pam Garner, and, at right, Ari Swinehart and Alex Parnell. At right, 69th House of Delegates District Republican candidate Chad Green, at left, and his legislative aide Trevor Webb, at right, chat with Congressman Rob Wittman (R-Montross).
Josh Shackelford, 24, of Williamsburg, was the overall winner of Saturday’s Guinea Jubilee 5K run.