THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 4, 1995 TAG: 9505020128
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
The roller coaster is long gone. So are the salt-and-pepper shaker and the reptile house.
But while Ocean View Amusement Park is history, blasts from the past will unfold as the neighborhood hosts its annual Ocean View Beach Festival May 12-14 at Ocean View Park.
The sands that once anchored the many amusements again will support a roller coaster, Ferris wheels and other rides. Add live music, a feast of food and beverage, an estimated 150,000 guests, and it will look like a weekend party to rival any event at the old park.
``We're the second biggest festival in the city after Harborfest,'' said Lee Williams, 1995 Ocean View Beach Festival chairman.
The action begins at 5 p.m. May 12 with the Bill Lyerly Band on the main stage. Highlights for the three-day jam include concerts by national recording artists Junior Walker & the All-Stars; and the Confederate Railroad, winner of the Academy of Country Music's 1993 award for Best New Vocal Group. Numerous country groups, the Atlantic Express Navy Show Band, and local artists Lewis McGehee and Bruce Todd also are on the roster. A Hobie Cat race, the annual tug-of-war and Saturday night fireworks are other attractions.
While there will be plenty in the way of adult activities, including a cornucopia of food and plenty of cold beer, much of the event's focus is geared toward families. A new-for-this-year family stage will host music for all ages, magic and puppet shows, and a ventriloquist act. Of course, there also will be rides. Amusement park-like activities will be provided by Amusements of America, the world's largest traveling carnival, according to Williams.
``There's a heavy emphasis on family,'' Williams said. ``We encourage people to bring blankets and chairs, and make it a family outing.''
Revenues from concessions and rides will benefit the Kiwanis Club of Ocean View Beach Inc., which produces the event. Monies raised are given to local Kiwanis charities such as food pantries, homeless shelters and college scholarships. The festival began 17 years ago as a one-day fund-raiser for the club. Since then, more than $100,000 has been raised, said Williams, who has chaired the event for the last seven years.
In that time, the celebration has swelled from a locals-only party to somewhat of a regional affair. Though still primarily an Ocean View and Norfolk thing, a mix of revelers from as far as Washington and North Carolina are expected.
``The faces are a cross-section,'' Williams said. ``From grandmothers to babies, we have every demographic group you can think of. It reminds you of the golden days of the amusement park. A place for everyone to come and gather.''
The festival is free and open to the public. Free parking is available at the Community Beach, the Ocean View Seniors Center, and Ocean View and Willoughby Elementary schools. Free trolleys will run from all of these lots. Call 583-0000 for more information. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
Festival Highlights
For copy of graphic, see microfilm.
KEYWORDS: OCEAN VIEW BEACH FESTIVAL by CNB