Congressman Scott’s annual Labor Day political event canceled
9/2/2021, 6 p.m.
Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott’s Annual Labor Day Picnic has been canceled because of the resurgence of COVID-19.
The free political event, which has been held each September since 1977, draws dozens of candidates and office holders and hundreds of participants to a kickoff of the election season along the waterfront lawn of Rep. Scott’s family home in Newport News.
The event was held virtually in 2020 because of COVID-19. Now, 2021 is the first time it has been canceled.
“Our annual cookout has become an important place for candidates running for office locally and statewide to meet and talk with voters and other elected officials,” Rep. Scott said in an emailed statement about the event. “Unfortunately, based on the advice of medical experts who pointed to higher infection rates and stagnant vaccinations, we’ve decided to cancel this year’s cookout.”
He also encouraged people to get vaccinated as soon as possible against the potentially fatal virus.
“We can limit the spread of COVID-19 and defeat this pandemic if we increase the rate of vaccinations and follow the latest CDC guidance,” Rep. Scott stated. “COVID-19 vaccines are safe and provide significant protection against serious infection, hospitalization, and death. I was vaccinated earlier this year, and I hope all who are eligible do the same.
