THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 27, 1996 TAG: 9603260163
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARK YOUNG, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
Regina Marscheider and her puppet friends with the Children's Performance Workshop visit schools and events almost every day, educating children to report and prevent child abuse.
On Saturday, they'll be joined by a number of other entertainers during a special day of fun - Simon's second annual Kids Fundango Festival at Oceana Naval Air Station from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Although fun is the key word of the day, the message is to promote children's issues.
In addition to Simon and his other Spectrum Puppet buddies, headlining the activity-filled festival will be the Parachute Express singing group that has appeared on Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel.
Navy pilots will show off F-14 and F-18 aircraft. Navy SEALS will share their boats with future recruits. Other displays include a monster fire truck, a police helicopter and a Humvee military vehicle.
More than 20 organizations will offer interactive displays so children and their parents can have fun and learn more about kids' safety and health. Blackberry the rabbit from the SPCA will be there. Health Department workers will put on a teddy bear clinic. Area police and sheriffs will be on hand to answer questions, assist and interact with the crowd.
Mascot characters such as Ronald McDonald and McGruff the Crime Dog will roam the crowd.
Among the performers is the 62-piece Bay Youth String Orchestra. Kick-boxing champion and actor Curtis Bush will be on hand to autograph photos and give out free coupons for an upcoming Kidsmart children's seminar. Youngsters will enjoy local entertainer Eddie Sal's kid karaoke. Melody Makers will give kids and parents a chance to play a variety of musical instruments.
Last year, more than 3,500 attended. This year, 5,000 to 7,000 are expected. All proceeds benefit child abuse prevention efforts and support other children's issues. MEMO: Tickets to Fundango are $5, with children 2 and under free. Advance
group sales and further information are available by calling 491-2873.
Parking is free and Navy personnel will direct visitors to the event.
ILLUSTRATION: Regina Marscheider and her Spectrum Puppets will perform at the
festival.
by CNB