THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 14, 1996 TAG: 9603120124
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
It's March and that means St. Patrick's Day, the advent of spring and outdoor events around the city.
The second annual Greening of Ghent celebrates Ireland's patron saint on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. along 20th and Manteo streets.
The block party will feature rock music from the Barflys, along with plenty of food and beverages. Many Ghent businesses and restaurants will offer promotional specials throughout the day and night.
Last year's kick-off Greening was a big success, attracting several thousand revelers, many of whom continued the celebration in the nearby eateries and bars. The event is co-sponsored by Festevents and the Ghent Business Association.
``We are looking for a big turnout again this year,'' said Bonnie Mims, Festevents marketing director. ``And be sure to wear some green.''
Across town in Ocean View, the Irish saint is being hailed in a big way with the 29th annual Knights of Columbus St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, the procession is one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades on the East Coast, with some 200 units and as many as 50,000 spectators. Once the event begins, much of the community breaks into a daylong gala, with music, food, beverages and revelry.
The parade starts at Northside Middle School on Granby Street and proceeds to A View Avenue, onto First View Street, and ends at the intersection of First View Street and Government Avenue. This year's grand marshal is Hampton Mayor James L. Eason.
Festevents' 5th Occasional Downtown Doo Dah Parade will wind its way down Main Street on March 29 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
A spectacle of the ridiculous and outrageous, the lineup of buffoonery is a favorite for downtowners and families alike. Dozens of parade units, in commercial and non-commercial categories, compete for dubious honors. Past winners include Tidewater Regional Transit's Elizabeth River Ferries, a procession of men in tu-tus.
This year's grand marshal is former WTKR-TV weatherman Dr. Duane Harding. Virginian-Pilot columnist Lawrence Maddry will be Dr. Duane's sidekick in the title of petite grand marshal. In keeping with the parade's zany style, instead of a dog or cat, this year the grand marshals will select a houseplant to serve as mascot. by CNB