Published: August 27, 2008 12:39 am      

Rockefeller to speak at Labor Day picnic

FAIRMONT — U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller will be one of the guest speakers at Sunday’s annual Labor Day picnic at Hough Park in Mannington, organizers said.

“We’re going to start the speaker’s program at 1:30 p.m.,” said Vern Swisher, president of the Marion County AFL-CIO. The annual event is sponsored by the Marion County AFL-CIO, the United Mine Workers of America and the Marion County Democratic Party.

Rockefeller, who speaks today at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, has rearranged his schedule to attend the event, Swisher said. Rockefeller, 71, is seeking re-election to his fifth term in the Senate.

Also on the guest speaker’s list is Danny Kane, the international secretary/treasurer of the United Mine Workers of America. A number of local and state elected officials and candidates will also speak.

The free picnic will start at noon.

Tom Menas is catering the picnic.

“There’s beef, chicken, hot dogs and side dishes,” said Swisher.

The ice cream is being provided by the county’s three Democratic members of the House of Delegates: House Majority Whip Mike Caputo and Delegates Tim Manchin and Linda Longstreth.

There will be $1,500 worth of door prizes, including a Remington 700 BDL 30.06 rifle.

In addition, there will be “bounce houses” for children. Don Hayes and the Country Raiders will provide live music.

Picnic-goers are advised to bring lawn chairs.

“This is a day to honor working people and their families, and everything is free,” Swisher said.

“We want to keep it free.”

The picnic has been held since 1996. One of the highlights is the presentation of the William E. Stewart Memorial “Labor Person of the Year” award.

Stewart was a veteran member of the House of Delegates and longtime president of the Marion County AFL-CIO.

This year’s theme is “Kick Off, Election 2008.”

“We want people to come out, listen to the speakers and make an informed choice in November,” Swisher said.

E-mail Bill Byrd at bbyrd@timeswv.com.