Sales tax-free holiday appears to be successful in central Shenandoah Valley

If the Staunton-Waynesboro-Augusta area is any indication, Virginia's annual Sales Tax-Free Holiday is a huge success. Stores were blown out with customers on Friday as parents and children shopped for back-to-school clothing and supplies.

Lasting through Sunday, the idea of a sales tax break for back-to-school was the brain child of Del. Ben Cline (R-24th House) who proposed the legislation in 2006 and, while saving sales tax alone is not exactly a door buster, the bit windfall comes when combined with store sales and extra percentages off on top of that. Voila! Parents see their hard-earned dollars stretching into savings they are willing to pursue.

From the Sales Tax website:

When: First full weekend of August (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) each year. The 2010 holiday will take place on August 6-8, 2010.

What's Exempt: During this three-day period, purchases of qualifying school supplies selling for $20 or less per item, and purchases of qualifying clothing and footwear selling for $100 or less per item will be exempt from sales tax. Retailers may also choose to absorb the tax on other items during the holiday period, but they are responsible for paying the tax on those items to the Department of Taxation.

Reminders have been sent out by all the local delegates and by Sen. Mark Obenshain as well as other elected officials.

To the naysayers who are worried about the loss of revenue for the Commonwealth, WHSV TV-3 covered that angle on tonight's broadcast.

You've got two days left so get out there and start shopping!