THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 12, 1995 TAG: 9511100209
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Rebecca A. Myers
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
For those who choose not to venture across the river for the sights and sounds of the holiday season, the city of Portsmouth will hold its own gala, dubbed Winterfest, in conjunction with the Lighted Boat Parade.
Winterfest will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. along the Seawall near Harbor Tower - facing Norfolk.
``This is the first time we've held anything on this side of the water to coincide with the Lighted Boat Parade,'' said Tom Blake of Parks and Recreation. ``What we're trying to do is complement them.''
Tents will be erected for crafters to display their wares and a small stage constructed for choral groups to perform Christmas music from 2 to 4 p.m.
From 4 to 6 p.m., before the start of the boat parade, Just Us will play big band sounds.
During the parade, Portsmouth spectators will have their own sound system to hear the description of each boat.
``It won't be a simulcast (with Norfolk),'' said David Culpepper, chairman of the Lighted Boat Parade. ``It's a separate system. We're giving Portsmouth its own script.
``We're trying to get Portsmouth moved up into getting involved in this,'' he said. ``We want Portsmouth to share in this.''
Santa Claus will meet with children from 5:30 to 8 p.m. inside the Portside Visitor Information Center.
Food, as well as hot and cold beverages, will be served until 8 p.m.
The city also plans to light up some of its buildings along the waterfront - but not until Dec. 2.
The partial skyline illumination will coincide with the city's lighting of the Christmas tree, which will be placed at the foot of High Street, in Riverfront Park.
``When the tree goes on, so will the buildings that are going to be lit,'' said City Clerk Sheila Pittman.
To learn more about Winterfest, call Portsmouth Parks and Recreation at 393-8481. by CNB