THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 13, 1996 TAG: 9606130578
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 48 lines
32 South stops at Constant's Wharf. It does not look that way on your map, but that's what happened last Friday - when one of the area's best-known country bands, the one named after a highway, opened the 1996 Suffolk Summer Celebration.
It was a grand opening. The weather was perfect, enhanced by a pleasant breeze.
Families were out en masse. There were about 900 people, ``a very good figure,'' said Faith Hill, athletic specialist of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Facility Management.
There was not much dancing, but plenty of conversation. Acquaintances are often revitalized during Suffolk Summer Celebrations.
``I like seeing faces I haven't seen all winter,'' said Donna Fischer of Windsor.
``I like the socializing, I like seeing my friends,'' said Julie Vasser, of Suffolk. ``I come out here whenever I can.''
There are lots of good musical reasons for coming out this season. The concerts, held every other Friday, cater to most tastes, although the accent is on country.
Variety is offered by Jim Newsom and the PorchRockers who will be at Constant's Wharf June 21.
Steve Tarkenton, his leg in a cast, will probably have to miss them.
``I was in the hospital for a week and out a week,'' he said. ``I'm usually not here because of my work schedule. This is my first time in two years.''
The Summer Concert Series, nine years old, began as TGIF, an initialized name still in use by some concertgoers.
In addition to the music there is plenty to eat and drink and some children's activities, including rolling down the hill. ILLUSTRATION: Photos by FRANK ROBERTS
Kelsey Vasser and her mother Julie Vasser, above, hang out to hear
the music at Constant's Wharf.
Charlene Burris of Suffolk and Brittany Roberts of Corapeake, right,
enjoy opening night of the Suffolk Summer Celebration.
A casual crowd listens to the country sounds of the band 32 South at
Constant's Wharf. by CNB