THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 6, 1996 TAG: 9606040130
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 15 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 47 lines
Harborfest celebrates its 20th birthday this weekend and is expecting more than 200,000 guests.
Running Friday through Sunday, this megaparty is listed among the top 20 events in June by the Southeast Tourism Society.
While most people in Hampton Roads are familiar with the event and its noted Parade of Sail, water displays, live music, food and fireworks, this year the festival will be keeping its old favorites and offering some changes and additions.
An effort has been made to make the gala more visitor-friendly. The layout has been redesigned to provide a more comfortable outing. Main entrances will be better marked and will be manned by Harborfest staff giving directions and information. Food courts are being more strategically placed to accommodate the large crowds.
``We wanted it to be easier for people to get around and find things,'' said Don Walker, Harborfest's executive director. ``The activities will be grouped together better.''
New events include the AT&T Motion Simulator Theater. Set up in the Nauticus parking lot, the exhibit will allow participants to go ``virtual'' with the Navy's Blue Angels flying team. In front of Waterside will be the NBA Jam Van and Jam Session, a basketball theme park where enthusiasts can compete and compare their game statistics with those of the pros. Pro and amateur athletes from around the region will be on hand to share stories and autographs. Both the Motion Simulator and Jam Van events are free.
Also new is the Hill's Children's Cove and Carnival Row. Both sites are adjacent to Nauticus and will offer an increased variety of kids' and family activities, including ventriloquists, jugglers and dance groups.
``We listened and heard what people were looking for and made some new changes,'' Walker said.
A lot has changed in the event's 20-year history. The first Harborfest, in 1977, drew approximately 25,000 people, had 25 tall ships and some 25 entertainment events.
As many as 225,000 revelers are expected this weekend. There will approximately 150 vessels in the Parade of Sail and nearly 90 entertainment activities. MEMO: [Complete list of highlights can be found on the microfilm for
this date.] ILLUSTRATION: HARBORFEST HIGHLIGHTS by CNB