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Hampton Bay Days Announces Current City Councilman and Former Mayor Ross A. Kearney, II as 2010 Commodore

Hampton Bay Days, the city’s largest annual festival, is pleased to announce prominent Hampton citizen and city councilman, Ross A. Kearney, II as 2010 Commodore.

“I’m excited to serve as the Commodore of the 28th Annual Hampton Bay Days festival, especially in the year of the City’s 400th Anniversary,” said Ross A. Kearney, II. “I have served as chairman in the past, and in doing so, have gained a great appreciation of the event. The focus on conservation of the Bay and the organization’s education programs, which are offered free and open to the public, are a shining example of the organization’s commitment to the community and to the environment.”

Ross A. Kearney, II has been a member of the Hampton City Council since July of 1992 and has held several prominent positions in the City of Hampton, such as mayor (2004-2008) and vice mayor (1996-1998). In addition, Kearney has also held several leadership roles on numerous regional governance bodies, including the Hampton Roads Tunnel Authority, Hampton Roads Regional Jail Authority, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance, and Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance.

Councilman Kearney is a lifelong resident of Hampton. He taught social studies in the Hampton School System for forty years and has also served as an Adjunct Professor at both Old Dominion University and Hampton University.

“We are delighted that Hampton City Councilman Ross A. Kearney II will serve as our 2010 Hampton Bay Days Commodore” said the Hampton Bay Days Board of Directors. “Councilman Kearney is a lifelong resident of Hampton and a great ambassador for our city. We couldn’t think of a better person to represent the festival, especially this year, during Hampton’s 400th Anniversary.”

“I truly appreciate the efforts that nationally and internationally renowned personalities like Wyland, Guy Harvey, Bruce Hornsby, and many others have made in order to help Hampton Bay Days grow and prosper,” said Kearney. “I’m truly looking forward to a fantastic 2010 festival and being this year’s commodore.”

As 2010 Commodore, Kearney will officially open the Hampton Bay Days festival on Wednesday, September 8 at the Hampton Bay Days Commodore’s Gala.