THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 9, 1995 TAG: 9504070175
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REBECCA A. MYERS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
Portside turns 11 this year, and if the crowds at Tuesday's Spring Fling were any indication, Portside fans are ready to celebrate.
``It's been a long winter,'' said Barry Holderfield of Western Branch. ``I'm tired of hibernating. I want to get out and have a few drinks, make up for lost time . . . and check out all the new gossip!''
Holderfield, 43, was one of about 600 people who shed winter clothing to bask in the 75-degree weather of the Chamber of Commerce Spring Fling, an annual April ritual in Portsmouth.
``The first one was nothing like this,'' said Chamber program manager Jan Burton of the first fling held in 1987. ``Back then, people came for the food, but now it's more for socializing.''
About 600 tickets were sold for a meal that included barbecue, baked beans, coleslaw, potato chips and iced tea. But many revelers just showed up for the party.
``We're excited about seeing so many people we haven't seen in a long time,'' said Ellen White, a city employee, who attended the function with her husband, Gene.
For Portside regular Eddie Wright Sr., Tuesday's Spring Fling was an opportunity to rekindle some old friendships.
``I'm seeing all kinds of people I haven't seen since this place closed down'' for the season, Wright said.
It won't be long, though, before Wright is again partying with his buddies on a weekly basis.
Portside opens Saturday and will hold its first ``big'' party, which old-timers remember as ``Midweek Madness,'' on April 20.
``We're getting ready again,'' said Jim Resolute Jr., tourism development manager with the Portsmouth Convention and Visitors Bureau.
New this year are the tents that cover the main structure and the two eating areas, as well as the canopies around the Visitor Information Center.
Other changes include:
Zero's subs occupying the spot formerly held by T.P.'s.
Riverside Cafe expanding partially into the spot formerly held by Portside Barbecue, which will not return.
Dave's Cove Dairy Desserts, the ice cream parlor, wrapping around the front of Portside Barbecue.
Fries and Things now selling the hot dogs and hamburgers formerly sold by T.P.'s.
Entertainment will be provided Wednesday through Sunday nights, said Resolute.
``Acoustic on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, bands on the showmobile on Thursdays and country or jazz on Saturdays,'' he said.
All shows start at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. Sunday shows start at 4 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
Entertainment
A Portside entertainment schedule for April and May follows:
[for complete copy of list, see microfilm.]
by CNB