THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 1, 1995 TAG: 9506010050
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E5 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 51 lines
HARBORFEST and the Seawall Festival are great fun, but can also be overwhelming. Borrow the Boy Scouts' motto: ``Be Prepared.'' Here are a few tips:
Don't bring bicycles, large radios, tape players, skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, pets, weapons and glass containers. All are banned from the festival grounds.
Bring sunscreen, lip balm and a hat or visor.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, preferably with rubber soles.
Bring blankets or folding chairs for watching shows, picnicking and fireworks.
If it's cloudy, pack a raincoat. Most entertainment continues during a sprinkle.
Use lightweight, fold-up strollers for children and bring an ample supply of diapers and plastic bottles.
Take advantage of the diaper-changing and breastfeeding areas at both festivals.
When you arrive, show your children the Lost and Found Tent. Children can also be issued stickers there (and at info booths and diaper-changing areas) to be filled out with pertinent information.
If your group will be drinking, appoint a designated driver. The Seawall Festival offers a designated driver program. Just show an ID at the check station (you must be over 21), sign a pledge card and receive an armband and three tickets for free non-alcoholic drinks.
To buy beer or wine, bring proper identification. Everyone must have their ID checked and get their hand stamped to buy alcoholic beverages.
Parking and transportation
Harborfest parking is at downtown garages and lots, and at Harbor Park. Seawall Festival parking is at downtown garages.
Waterside Drive will be closed from 9:30 a.m. Friday until midnight Sunday. Other streets around the site also may be closed.
For Harborfest, handicapped parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at Town Point Garage on Main Street at no charge. All other public parking areas will have handicapped spaces available at regular fees. At the Seawall Festival, free disabled parking is at First Union Bank at Crawford Street and London Boulevard.
Ferry service between the festivals is $1 each way, 50 cents for the elderly and disabled. Loading points are at Portside and at the foot of High Street in Portsmouth, and at Waterside in Norfolk. by CNB