Aftershock headlines Beer Museum’s ‘Repeal of Prohibition’ party

There were bikes but no bikini-clad ladies to clean them during the Virginia Beer Museum’s second weekend celebration of the End of Western Civilization as We Know It, also known as week two of Phase 2 of the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic business reopenings in Front Royal and Warren County.

The bikes were back but no cleaning crew was on hand; below Aftershock fronted by Reno Vaughan cuts loose shortly after 6 p.m. Royal Examiner Photos/Roger Bianchini

And befitting an End of Civilization party enjoyed by young, old and in between, Front Royal’s own Aftershock provided the soundtrack for Saturday’s “End of Prohibition” party in the Museum’s privacy-fence enclosed back parking lot and biergarten.

Friday’s weekend kickoff featured Mandatory Fun, a musical ensemble of R-MA teachers who explained their name as a takeoff on campus activities aimed at the cadet corp.

On both nights social distancing was generally observed between clustered family and friend groups who assured us they have been in each other’s space throughout much of the pandemic emergency response’s past three months of semi-isolation.

Elbow bumps replaced handshakes and hugs for many, as friends long unseen were reunited in a public entertainment social gathering environment dormant for the past three months of pandemic precautionary business and public gathering restrictions.

We know some of you but since we didn’t get everybody’s name, we won’t play favorites in the name game – You know who you are…

And while those restrictions are slowly easing from the initial 10 person Phase 1 limit to 50 in Virginia’s Phase 2 reopenings, a better safe than sorry precautionary tone was evident for many.

As well it might be as America has seen over 15,000 COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease-2019) deaths in the first two week of June since the nation’s reported death total passed the 100,000 mark at the end of May. The nation’s total case count since mid-January’s first reported case has soared over two million.

But enough of the bad news, enjoy these photos of Saturday night’s fun as the Virginia Beer Museum’s eclectic mix of patrons celebrated being out and around each other, live music, Virginia crafted beers and food provided by “Sexi Mexi Burritos” – though we are sure this caterer’s name alone will be found offensive to some.

The Sexi Mexi Burrito platters looked exceptionally delicious and kept a steady flow of customers happy

Lighten up, folks – as Aftershock noted in its cover of David Bowie, “LET’S DANCE”!!!

LET’S DANCE – all ages were getting on the good foot; Dad, let me down so I can start dancing too! – OK, a scooter works…

Blue the dog takes a power nap

From left, Aftershock’s Dewey, James and Reno Vaughan, Dean Smith and Doug Hess rock on

Since he didn’t make the previous shot, we’ll give Lenny Barnhart some face time while he’s off keyboards and up and on guitar.

Reno makes her point as a next generation Vaughan takes on more up-front duties as The Shockers transitioned to Aftershock last year.

And the crowd gets the point – Let’s Dance

Sitting and catching up was allowed as well

Even former President and brew-master Thomas Jefferson seemed to approve of the ‘Repeal of Prohibition’ party theme.