Anthony Woodyard, the man who started a Facebook page about Christiansburg’s humorous sign war, has announced plans to seek a seat on the town council.
For the past few weeks, businesses in the town have engaged in a friendly “sign war,” gaining media attention that has exploded.
It all started when Jim Bohan, who owns Bridge Kaldro, a local music store, put up a sign challenging Super Shoes, the shoe store next door on North Franklin Street, to a sign war with a sign that read, “Hey Super Shoes! Wanna start a sign war?”
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on small businesses across the world, including those in Christiansburg. Now there is a distraction with a lot of jabs in fun toward each other. People in all 50 states have mentioned Christiansburg’s sign war. Others from places like Australia, Spain and Canada have gotten a smile because of it. Communities around Virginia and the country have even started their own “sign war” to turn frowns into smiles.
The Facebook idea came from another community page, “Everything Christiansburg.” A lady from the New River Valley who now lives out of town posted the idea that a group should be started to keep up with the signs if this takes off.
“I agreed and started the group on the night of April 16, and it seemed like a great idea to promote our local businesses,” Woodyard said.
The Facebook page has quickly approached 20,000 members from all over the globe. Woodyard said the page has been an incredible opportunity to bring joy and hope to people who have been isolated for months because of COVID
“I feel that it’s brought a great sense of community pride to locals, and it’s made Christiansburg a tourist destination for folks from all over the world,” he said.
Woodyard was born in Radford, grew up in Pearisburg, and moved to Christiansburg six years ago.
“I have been completely taken aback by the worldwide response we have gotten,” Woodyard said. “I hope it drives tourism in this area and boosts our local businesses. Christiansburg is an amazing town, and I want to share it with the world.”
He has always had an interest in local government and even interviewed the Pearisburg mayor as part of a government-class project.
“We sat down for a news-style interview in my high school’s television studio,” Woodyard said. “I could see her excitement for effecting change in the place she proudly calls home, and I remember thinking how great it would be to one day do the same.”
Now he wants to help make a positive and lasting impact. He is 29 years old and is a graduate of Concord University. He points out he is not a political person.
“I see local government as an opportunity to effect change in a positive way for my neighbors, my community, and the place I proudly call home,” he said.
His full-time job is as a grief counselor and a coordinator of the volunteer program at a local hospice.
Woodyard considers himself just an “average Christiansburg resident,” meaning he rents his home, his car is not yet paid for and has student debt.
“I believe in small businesses. I want to see them thrive and I want to make Christiansburg an attractive place for more businesses to set up shop,” he said.
The first-time candidate also said he is not beholden to any group, special interest, or individuals. “I am making a run for the town council with fresh eyes, an open mind, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on our town.”
Woodyard also believes in community service. He presently serves as the event chair for the New River Valley Walk to End Alzheimers and Relay for Life of the NRV. He is also a medical volunteer/COVID-19 vaccinator for the Medical Reserve Corps.
Woodyard points to the fact Christiansburg is growing and is a great place for young professionals, families and retirees.
“We have natural beauty, shopping, and some of the best dining options. We have local businesses who are incredibly supportive of the community. Our rural-suburban town is close-knit and we embrace diversity,” he said.
While most politicians try to point out the negative, Woodyard does not. Instead, he sees nothing negative about Christiansburg. But he wants to learn more about the issues that the town faces, to make local government more accessible to everyone, and to make sure that businesses and individuals have the town’s support and resources they need to be successful in making Christiansburg their home.
For now, Woodyard just wants to say here’s your sign, Christiansburg.