THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, May 29, 1995 TAG: 9505290048
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT MCCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 97 lines
It is called the unofficial beginning of summer, but often as not, Memorial Day weekend is the last cool breath of spring.
While some forecasters are calling for a reprieve today from Saturday and Sunday's mostly cool, overcast skies, the weekend weather hasn't badly hurt area festivals.
About 70,000 turned out for Afr'am Fest in Norfolk's Town Point Park. Virginia Beach's 12th annual Pungo Strawberry Festival attracted an estimated 125,000 visitors, only slightly less than its annual average, said Jake Jacocks, festival chairman.
``We usually get around 150,000 people,'' Jacocks said. ``We've only had a raindrop or two today, but I think it's raining in other areas. Saturday was packed. The weather might have affected the crowd a little today, but we're not disappointed.''
If crowds were down at all, it was not apparent Sunday. The stretch along the intersection of Princess Anne and Indian River roads was flushed with activity on the festival's final day. The small, country-town lane had the buzz of a farming community in high harvest.
Strawberry pie-eating contests, pony rides, Civil War encampment displays, 85 arts and crafts booths, and more than 40 food vendors were among the attractions.
The event is keenly country. The pig race was a favorite of kids and parents alike. ``You haven't lived untilyou've seen a pig race,'' said one local.
The festival was established to help share the Pungo area with the rest of Hampton Roads, Jacocks said. Part of the proceeds benefit local charities.
``This is really a family and community-oriented festival,'' said Paul Lanteigne, on the event's executive committee.
``Even the strawberry daiquiris don't have any alcohol.''
On Saturday, Afr'am Fest in Norfolk's Town Point Park opened to a brief drizzle early Sunday afternoon.
Most people, however, just wrapped up and waited it out. Newcomers began arriving in increasing numbers as the clouds held.
``The weather could turn some people away,'' said Richard Love, project director, ``but the artists are here for all three days, and we're hoping for the best.''
In its 12th year, the festival celebrates African-American culture and attracts people from all over the country, said Love, a Norfolk resident.
The event is sponsored by the Southeastern Virginia Arts Association. More than 120,000 attended in 1994.
``The festival is still growing,'' Love said. ``People are really starting to recognize the accomplishments of African Americans.''
The event features fine art, cloths and jewelry from here and around the world. Ashanti dolls from Ghana share the sidewalk with locally made hats and cloths. Dancing, and the sounds of jazz, rhythm and blues, reggae and gospel provide the backdrop. New for this year was a conference on the African American family held Friday at Norfolk Waterside Marriott.
Although many vendors said business has been good, others are counting on a break in the weather today.
``Most people inspect and shop the first days, but many didn't get a chance to look because of the rain,'' said Roger Kablan, who is selling masks and statues from the Ivory Coast. ``I hope they'll come back tomorrow.''
Most food vendors seem to be doing well, rain or not. Jamaican Gourmet, offering curried chicken, oxtails and conch fritters, had a waiting line.
``Sales are good,'' said Roy Samuels, who owns the Washington-based operation with his wife, Hyacinth.
``The food has been exceptional this year,'' Love said. ``They're (the vendors) making a killing.''
Love expects festival crowds to match or exceed last year's volume. He said that if the weather cooperates, today's Memorial Day holiday could be the best turnout yet. Highlights include a lineup of national recording artists. Gerald Alston, followed by Spur of the Moment, and Mikki Howard are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
Weekend activity along the Oceanfront has been at low tide due to the weather. Concerts were scheduled for Sunday night at the 17th and 24th Street stages, but no large festivals were planned because Memorial Day weekend is traditionally crowded, said Eamonn Byrne, of Cellar Door Productions, which provides much of the resort city's summer entertainment.
But even if the weather doesn't come through today, there promises to be an extra treat for beach-goers on the next nice weekend - no more tolls on the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway. ILLUSTRATION: DRUMMING UP CROWDS
TAMARA VONINSKI
Staff photos
[Color Photos]
Janene Taylor of the Malawi Dance Group dances through the crowd at
the Afr'am Fest in Norfolk's Town Point Park.
Eunice and David Hutton of Norfolk enjoy music at the Afr'am fest.
The event featured the sounds of jazz, rhythm and blues, reggae and
gospel.
by CNB