THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, March 13, 1995 TAG: 9503130071
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAM STARR, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Richard Mladick is used to confidentiality.
It's a good thing, too, since he learned last August that he would preside over Virginia Beach's 1995 Neptune Festival as King Neptune XXII.
But he had to keep his mouth stitched for eight torturous months, sharing the good news with only his wife, Elly.
On Sunday, the rest of the community learned the secret when, during a reception at the Cavalier Hotel, a regal Mladick - King Richard, they aptly called him - stepped into the grand ballroom, a red, sparkling cape draped over his suit and a silver crown on his head.
It is an ``unbelievable honor'' to be named king, he told the crowd, noting, ``when my queen says I'm being a royal pain, I'll know I earned it.
``And the new Neptune coin won't be gold or silver, it'll be plastic.''
The Neptune Festival receives about six nominations a year for King Neptune, said Bill Center, one of the organizers. The king is selected based on his association with the festival and business, civic and community activities.
As king, Mladick will attend all Neptune Festival events in late September and early October. He must also grow a beard, like all previous kings. It's something he isn't sure he can do.
``I grew a moustache once,'' he said, rubbing his chin. ``I hope I can grow a beard.''
He shouldn't worry. Last year's King Neptune, Roger Pierce, didn't think he could grow a beard either. But Pierce arrived at Sunday's reception sporting a goatee, saying it would stay awhile.
Giving up the coveted crown wasn't easy, Pierce admitted.
``It's a bummer - it was the greatest time of my life,'' he said. ``But all of the past kings have assured me that once a king, always a king.'' ILLUSTRATION: D. KEVIN ELLIOTT/Staff
Richard Mladick, with his wife, Elly, is presented as King Neptune
XXII at a ceremony Sunday at the Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach.
As king, Mladick will attend all Neptune Festival events in late
September and early October.
by CNB