Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 1, 1994 TAG: 9407020010
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BETTY HAYDEN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Twenty-five tons of sand will be dumped near the stage so fans can dance to their favorite beach tunes.
The Breeze Band kicks things off at 1 p.m. followed by Catalinas at 2:30 p.m., Chairmen of the Board at 5:30 p.m. and the Embers at 7 p.m.
The featured band, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, starts playing at 8:30 p.m. Fireworks will follow the band's performance at 10 p.m.
Gary Lewis and the Playboys are known for the 1965 hit "This Diamond Ring."
Event coordinator Carole Potter of American Shows says she hopes Gary Lewis and the Playboys will add a little variety to the festival.
"We're in business to entertain and bring new things to this area," Potter said. "I think this town is ready for something of this magnitude."
Organizers expect Beach Festival to become an annual event - they've booked Victory Stadium for the next 10 years. They sponsored a similar event in 1987, which attracted nearly 10,000 people.
"People are looking for something fun and affordable to do on the 4th," Potter said.
Tickets have been available since June 4, and she said sales have been good. If the weather is good, organizers expect a large crowd to attend.
This year's festival offers more than just bands and sunshine. More than 30 food and souvenir vendors will be on hand, and beer will be served at the event.
No coolers or food can be brought to the stadium, Potter said, in order to promote vendor sales and keep festival ticket prices low.
A limited number of advance tickets are available at participating Uni-Marts or Ticketmaster for $10 and at the gates Saturday for $12.50. Children 12 and under are admitted for free.
Heavy rains will move the festival inside the Roanoke Civic Center, Potter said. The decision will be made tonight, and if the festival is held outdoors, people are still encouraged to bring umbrellas.
Potter said the festival should improve every year. She's trying to schedule the Beach Boys for next year's event. The California band, which continues to tour, hasn't played Roanoke since 1979.
Memo: ***CORRECTION***