Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, May 14, 1994                   TAG: 9405160139
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ALMENA HUGHES STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

FESTIVAL IN THE PARK ADDS FOOD TERRACES WITH THEMES

But that description sounds appropriate for Roanoke's 25th annual Festival in the Park celebration, which begins May 26.

Schultz, executive director of the nonprofit Festival organization, recalled that when the festival began as a two-day spring celebration in 1969, other auspicious happenings included the recent inauguration of Richard Nixon, publication of "The Godfather," and Woodstock.

The festival has expanded over the years, adding a black-tie gala fund-raiser, major sporting events and concerts at Victory Stadium. It now encompasses 11 days.

Festival organizers, board members and program participants said additions to this year's festival will include an expanded terrace instead of a beer garden. It will offer food and entertainment as well as beer and wine. The weekend of May 28, the terrace will have a Tex-Mex theme; the June 4 weekend's theme will be Oktoberfest.

Thirty-seven spaces have been added for crafters, who will be coming from across the United States. There will be a "new products and services" sampling area and an Anniversary Commemorative Pin promotion, tied to merchant coupons and chances to win vacation and furniture packages. These drawings will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Festival.

There are free Silver Anniversary Postcards and a special commemorative cancellation, a commemorative Festival magazine and a special Festival wine label, which will be available at many downtown restaurants.

With memories of the Tour DuPont still fresh, Festival organizers promise several bicycling events, including a time trial and a cycling clinic and training ride, sponsored by Saturn cars, on May 29 and 30.

The always popular children's activities have been expanded to include a fire-safety house to teach children what to do in a fire, a teddy bear clinic where children can have their favorite stuffed animals immunized, a comic collage, a backyard circus, a storybook characters' parade, and a foam and fire truck featuring nontoxic foam imported from Sweden in which to play.

"Bring your swimsuits for this one," the organizers advised.

The popular laser show, which had been discontinued for several years, will return June 4. Other perennial favorites, such as the daily Lunch in the Park events, sports competitions, concerts, entertainment and food court, also will be back.

The festival will open with a $25-per-ticket black-tie fund-raiser May 26. The price includes dancing, five drink tickets, gourmet food sampling and funny money for use in the casino.

Admission to most Festival activities is free. However, a $3 Festival button is required for the Friday night concerts at Victory Stadium by Marty Stuart and Three Dog Night and for master illusionist Eddie Armbrister's show at Mill Mountain Theatre. One button is good for all three events.

Attendance during Festival's 11 days is expected to top 400,000. Free parking and some shuttle bus service will be available, Schultz said.

Festival in the Park will run through June 5. For additional information, call 342-2640.