THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 28, 1994 TAG: 9412240088
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALLISON T. WILLIAMS
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
Even the ghosts will be in the holiday spirit for New Year's in Old Towne this weekend.
Ghost walks through historic downtown are just one of several activities included in the Isle of Wight Tourism Bureau's New Year's celebration. Scheduled to run from 6 to 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve, the festivities will also feature musical entertainment in several downtown churches and businesses.
Beginning at 6 p.m., ghost walks will leave every 10 minutes from the Visitor's Center, 130 Main Street. People taking the tour will meet the ``ghosts'' of 11 men who helped shape Smithfield's history.
Tickets for the ghost walk are $2 for everyone except for children under 6, who can walk free of charge.
Local musicians will be performing throughout the night at several downtown churches and business. The entertainment schedule includes:
6 p.m. - Smithfield singer Steve Freeman, at Christ Episcopal Church
6:30 p.m. - ``The Sweetest Sounds,'' at Trinity Methodist Church; and singer David Stoup, at Smithfield Gourmet Bakery
7 p.m. - Pianist Anna Gibson, at the Old Academy; and the Main Street Baptist Choir, at Hill Street Baptist Church
7:30 p.m. - ``The Sweetest Sounds,'' at Trinity UMC; and Anna Gibson, at the Old Academy
8 p.m. - Main Street Baptist Choir, at Hill Street Baptist; and performer Dick Barnes, at Trinity UMC
8:30 p.m. - David Stoup, at Smithfield Gourmet Bakery; and Anna Gibson, at the Old Academy.
There will be no fireworks display because of financial limitations.
Diane Howard, director of tourism, said the event drew about 500 people from all across Hampton Roads last year. She believe the town's friendly atmosphere during the New Year's celebration appeals to visitors.
``It's a family-oriented event where no alcohol is served,'' Howard said. ``And it's not so crowded that you feel like you are in a herd of people.'' by CNB