THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 9, 1995 TAG: 9503080221
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
IF THE CHAIRPERSONS of the 1995 Peanut Fest sound familiar, there's a reason.
Instead of having one person at the helm, those who chaired the event from 1988 to 1994 will work together in that position.
Sanford B. ``Sandy'' Chapman is vice chairman, which means he will assume the chairmanship for the 1996 event.
Normally, the vice chairman of the previous year does assume that position the next year, but the 1994 vice chairman was unable to do so in 1995.
The seven previous chairpersons were asked to work together ``so we could get their expertise and input,'' said Linda Stevens, festival director.
One reason for all the help is additional acreage for the Oct. 5-8 event.
The Peanut Fest site has been moved closer to Carolina Road, giving Peanut Fest 80 acres. In years past, the event took place on 50 acres.
The only vehicular access will be at the corner of Carolina and Airport roads, across from the Little League field.
The new site means additional parking space, ``if the weather is good,'' said Margie Cope, assistant director, referring to the grass parking area.
In addition to that section, more runway parking will be available.
The co-chairmen are:
Herman Bunch, who was 1988 chairman. ``His best remembered event,'' Stevens said ``was the diving mule.''
Harden Barnett was in charge in `89, the first year of the rodeo. He added three exhibit tents - the museum, county fair and the Chamber of Commerce tents. He also introduced the four-day parking sticker.
Wayne Evans, who took over in 1990, is credited with having the parade a week before Peanut Fest, eliminating a lot of traffic problems. The Demolition Derby was added that year.
Wayne Smith was chairman in 1991. He emphasized family entertainment, added attractions in the Family Area, and brought in a greater variety of entertainers.
Sandy Blowe took charge in 1992. Her theme that year was ``Best of the Past.'' She highlighted the peanut industry's heritage and re-created the peanut dress.
Tiny Andrews was the 1993 chairman. His festival theme, Stevens said, was ``something for everyone,'' giving the Fest variety.
Roberta Bunch was chairman in 1994. She also highlighted family-oriented events bringing in the Alberti Flea Circus, the ``Gravedigger'' monster truck and more nationally known entertainment.
Chapman retired in 1993, as a captain and commander of the Suffolk Police Department.
He is chairman of the Suffolk chapter, American Red Cross, and is on its board of directors. He is also president of the Suffolk Shrine Club.
Chapman, whose family nickname is ``Sanny,'' has been called ``Sandy'' for years - because he got tired of correcting people who called him ``Sandy.''
He and his wife, Betty, have been married almost 43 years. They have a son, Paul Chapman, who lives in North Carolina; and a daughter, Cheryl Smith, who lives in Eagan, Minn.; and two grandchildren. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Sanford B. ``Sandy'' Chapman, left, is vice chairman of the 1995
Peanut Fest. He will be working with a committee of past chairmen of
the event. Next year, he will assume the chairmanship.
by CNB