THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 5, 1995 TAG: 9505030147
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 94 lines
It's May, time for outdoor fun, and the Chesapeake Parks and Recreation Department will keep things happening this weekend and next.
May Day, May Day - That expression usually means danger or trouble, but for families looking for something to do Saturday, it means fun in the sun in South Norfolk.
Organized by the South Norfolk Community Center, 1217 Godwin Ave., the ``May Day On the Lawn'' began as the brainchild of Oneal Floyd, a recreation specialist at the center, and of Kristen Shea, a former South Norfolk recreation specialist who now works in North Carolina.
``They organized this day as a way to get the South Norfolk community together and for families to get out and have fun,'' said South Norfolk recreation leader Marjorie Wingate. ``It will be like an old-fashioned May Day, when the community got together for an unhurried spring afternoon of outdoor fun.''
The event, from noon until 4 p.m. Saturday, will feature free food, activities, games and entertainment, Wingate said.
Families will be able to lunch on free hot dogs, popcorn and soft drinks, courtesy of the community center.
While participants are enjoying all that food, they will be entertained by a gospel group from noon until 1:30 p.m. and later by a professional puppet show. In addition, there will be carnival games, arts and crafts, pony rides, clowns and face painting.
The cost for all of this? It's free.
More information about ``May Day On the Lawn,'' is available by calling 543-5721.
Elvis in the park with mom - Celebrate Mother's Day with Elvis, fashions, outdoor beauty and the songs of Lewis McGehee.
Bring Mom to Northwest River Park on May 14 for an entertaining Mother's Day event sponsored by the Chesapeake Parks and Recreation Department.
``This is a new event for us,'' said Kenny Stuart, recreation supervisor for leisure programs. ``We were looking to do a special event in May but not to compete with the Jubilee. Mother's Day seemed like a perfect day.''
The first ``Mother's Day In the Park'' last year was a pay-for-admission event that was eventually rained out. This year's celebration will be free, and Stuart said he hopes the weather will be more accommodating.
``Like the original Woodstock event, this one will be a free concert,'' Stuart said. ``Last year, we had a fee attached to the event, but that was because we were offering food, and we needed to offset that cost. This time we will have food on sale for those who want it or they can bring their own picnic lunches. But everything else will be for free.''
Besides the green and flowering splendor of the park, the Mother's Day event will feature a fashion show and musical entertainment by Chesapeake's own troubadour Lewis McGehee and Elvis impersonator Sterling Riggs of South Norfolk.
The activities will begin when hay rides escort mom to the park's picturesque Southern Terminal for a 1:30 p.m. fashion show put on by Charm Associates.
``They will have quite a lot of teen models, who will be wearing spring and summer fashions,'' Stuart said. ``We thought a fashion show would be appropriate for mom. It will bring everybody up to snuff on the fashions of the day. I saw the show recently and noticed that some of the fashions were very eye-catching with a 1920s and '30s look and lots of citrus colors.''
After the fashion show, mom will be serenaded at 2:30 p.m. by regional recording and performing artist Lewis McGehee, a talented singer/songwriter/musician and Chesapeake family man.
McGehee is an area favorite, who has performed as a headliner or opened many concerts for national acts. Last year, McGehee released a top-notch recording with popular singers-songwriters Robbin Thompson and Mike Lille under the name ``The Famous Unknowns.''
But even McGehee's talent and the fashions may take a back seat to the park's own beauty, Stuart said.
``When Lewis came out for last year's Mother's Day event he was blown away by the setting,'' Stuart said. ``The area is surrounded by trees and greenery, and it faces the water. After all the activities, mom and the family can simply enjoy the rest of the park as well.''
The finale of the day will be an appearance by ``Elvis,'' a.k.a. Sterling Riggs of South Norfolk.
Riggs is fast becoming an area favorite with his very popular ``Elvis Presley Show.'' His recent area appearances have included a very successful show at the first annual Chesapeake Car Jamoree, held a few weeks ago at Chesapeake City Park.
``We had him at the last Fall Fest,'' Stuart said. ``And he did a great job. He really wowed the crowd.''
In addition to music and fashions, the event will feature pontoon boat rides; arts and crafts, where the kids can create a Mother's Day gift; and a children's fishing session. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Elvis impersonator Sterling Riggs will perform at Northwest River
Park.
by CNB