Virginia Beach · Since 2022
VB
Sign Wars
A friendly challenge between local businesses became a region-wide burst of humor, creativity and community spirit—with Brandon “Shaggy” Stokes and Haygood Skating Center at the center of the fun.
The story
One sign started something bigger.
In August 2022, Cinema Cafe challenged Haygood Skating Center to a sign war. The response from the Haygood team helped turn a neighborhood joke into a friendly competition involving restaurants, churches and businesses across Virginia Beach and neighboring cities.
Virginia Beach City Council later welcomed Brandon “Shaggy” Stokes and formally recognized VB Sign Wars for lifting spirits, promoting small businesses and bringing humor back to the community.
The callouts
Hey, Shaggy.
Google-indexed photos from the businesses and community members who put Shaggy’s name on the board—and helped turn one joke into a Virginia Beach tradition.
01Cinema CaféThe marquee that brought the friendly battle back for round two.
02Norfolk Waterside District“Hey Shaggy, you heard about our bigger sign?”
03Adams OutdoorA digital-billboard response built for Sign Wars.
04Calz PizzaCalz brought the callout off the marquee and into the street.
05Wall Wizard“Here’s my sign!!! Hey Shaggy.”
06The bigger-sign challenge“Hey Shaggy, someone said you needed a bigger sign.”
07Aquaholic VBA community thank-you after the callouts became something bigger.
08Community calloutThe marker-board version: direct, handmade and aimed at Shaggy.
09The wall of signsA snapshot of the businesses, jokes and challenges that kept multiplying.Verified in public coverage and indexed posts
Cinema CaféHaygood Skating CenterNorfolk Waterside DistrictAdams OutdoorCalz PizzaWall WizardC & A Pallet DesignsDomino’s — Independence Blvd.FuddruckersAquaholic VB
This is the publicly searchable archive so far. More original sign photos can be added as they surface.Documented history
News and official recognition.
City of Virginia Beach
Official VB Sign Wars resolution
Virginia Beach City Council recognized Brandon ‘Shaggy’ Stokes and VB Sign Wars for promoting small businesses, humor, resilience and unity.
Open source WTKR News 3Local businesses join the friendly battle
News 3 documented how the challenge expanded from Haygood Shopping Center to businesses and churches across the region.
Open source 13News NowVB Sign Wars returns in 2023
13News followed the second year as Virginia Beach businesses brought the community-wide tradition back.
Open source Z104 / AudacyShaggy stokes the fire
Original coverage of the friendly sign feud involving Shaggy’s Haygood Skating Center.
Open source