THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 1, 1994 TAG: 9406290161
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
Year after year, the organizers of Chesapeake's Fourth of July at Lakeside Park put together an old-fashioned celebration, the kind lifted out of a Currier and Ives print.
The event has no fireworks, no huge crowds, no smoked turkey leg or steak-in-a-sack vendors and no appearances by national recording acts.
But it will feature local or regional entertainment, community clubs selling food to raise money for civic help projects and plenty of other low-key fun activities and displays.
``This is an apple-pie, American flag, local community kind of affair,'' said R. Darrell Morse, chairman of the organizing committee. ``This event gives people the opportunity to sit in a lawn chair, relax and enjoy a Fourth of July in the park.''
Morse, who chairs the Chesapeake Parks and Recreation Department Advisory Board and is president of the South Norfolk Civic League, said his committee has been working on this 14th annual Fourth since late February.
``Local businesses have been very gracious in supporting us,'' Morse said.
The event's main sponsors are the South Norfolk Civic League, The Double Deuce Restaurant & Lounge, The Chesapeake Sheriff's Office, The South Norfolk Ruritans and the Chesapeake Parks and Recreation Department.
Others who helped support the event are FM Sound and Lighting, Atlantic Sound, Hassell & Folkes, Bank of Hampton Roads, Dr. Stanley Jennings, J. Robert Graham Chapter No. 26 of Disabled American Veterans, Order of Eagles No. 796, Jefferson National Bank, Graham Funeral Home, Gay Funeral Home, Townsend Fuel Co., Creekmore Hardware, Porter Auto, Dr. G.W. Pegram, Twins Florist, Chesapeake Pharmacy, E.C. Beacham, Southland T.V. and Appliance, Southside Florist, NationsBank, Dr. Johnston D.D.S., Huntsman Chemical, Texaco Lubricants Co., Industrial Hardware Supply Co., Portlock Pharmacy, Krasnoff Chiropractic Center, Norfolk Packaging Co., Crestwood Co. Inc., Special Events Inc. and Rental Tools & Equipment.
Morse said the celebration's unhurried pace, Lakeside Park's beauty and the local entertainment are a big draw.
``On a typically good day, weather permitting, we usually draw anywhere from 800 to 1,000 people,'' he said. ``People tell us they love to come out and have a good time with their friends and neighbors. Some bring charcoal and grill out their own food and the majority buy from the many vendors.''
Several civic and community groups will be selling foods including hot dogs, hamburgers, snow cones, soft drinks, cotton candy, popcorn, snacks and other items.
Entertainment will include music by the Double Deuce house band, Deuces Wild, a tribute to Elvis by Sterling Riggs, songs by Erin Suzanne and Sean Day, the country sounds of Wild Country along with Hawaiian and Polynesian dancing by the Serna Music & Dance School and other fancy steps by the Mary Ann Wood School of Dance.
Miss Chesapeake 1994, Beth Sawyer, and Miss Teen Chesapeake 1994, Laura Jones, are scheduled to make appearances.
The event will also feature vintage cars and classic racing cars by Murray Goodman and friends, carnival games, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides, arts and crafts, K-9 police dog demonstrations, children's games and several information booths including exhibits by the Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Chesapeake Fire Prevention and others.
In keeping with the patriotic theme, the outdoor event will include Chesapeake's general registrar, who will offer advice and information on voting and will sign up voters right on the spot for this November's senatorial race.
``This will be a family-oriented celebration with no alcohol sales,'' Morse said, ``and lots of room to eat, move, play, dance or even snooze.'' MEMO: The 14th annual Fourth of July In the Park takes place Monday from 11
a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lakeside Park, Bainbridge Boulevard and Byrd Avenue.
Free. Call 545-8601 for more information.
ILLUSTRATION: Among Monday's entertainment will be songs by Erin Suzanne.
[For a copy of the schedule of events, see microfilm for this
date.]
by CNB