THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 23, 1997 TAG: 9702220124
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 77 lines
WHEREVER YOU look up, down, straight ahead - there will be something fascinating to see - balloons and airplanes up there; automobiles, a carnival and country star Tracy Lawrence down here.
That is the makeup of the Suffolk Spring Spectacular and balloon fest at Suffolk Municipal Airport from April 11 to 13.
``I anticipate crowds as large as Peanut Fest,'' said Linda Stevens, director of Suffolk Festivals, the producer of both events. ``We had 250,000 last year. If we get more than that for the Spectacular, I'll be the happiest person in the whole wide world.''
Spring Spectacular chairman Wayne Smith prefers that the two events not be mentioned in the same breath.
``This is nothing like Peanut Fest. That represents our history. This represents where Suffolk is going. It's a new day. Besides, you don't want similar events twice a year,'' he said. ``Also, this is not like any other festival in Hampton Roads.
``I've nurtured this idea for five years,'' Smith modestly admits. ``The whole layout was my deal.''
Here's the deal: Look up and you will see more than 40 balloons, in all sizes and shapes - some of them weird.
``I'm exceptionally excited about that number,'' Stevens said. ``At first, I thought I'd be real happy if we had 20. Next year, we may go to 50 or 60.''
``We're sending mail to a large number of landowners near the airport,'' she said. ``We're seeking a permit for balloonists to leave from, or land in, some of those places.''
Some faster craft will also fly over Peanut City, including the Stealth bomber, the P-51 Mustang, the Air Force's F-15 Eagle and a British Viper.
While those planes will fly back and forth, there will also be planes that go up, down and sideways - stunt planes with an amazing display of aerobatics.
You can raise your eyes to the skies for three hours on April 12 and another three the next day to catch two different shows.
Lower your head and you will see about 125 automobiles, antique and otherwise, courtesy the Mustang Club of Tidewater. They will be parked at the airport April 12.
The next day, the Car Club Council of Hampton Roads will park about 450 vehicles for viewing. Those are the folks who once sponsored the Hot Rod Jamboree of Chesapeake.
There's more for car lovers. Sunday will be a day of high-speed reminiscing. A Suffolk Raceway reunion will feature the drivers and cars that once competed at the track.
A commercial tent, arts and crafts, a carnival and plenty of entertainment are also in the plans.
The big name that's sure to draw a crowd is Tracy Lawrence - no small potatoes in the country field.
Since coming on the scene in 1991, he has sold more than 5 million albums. Three went platinum, and ``Alibis,'' which produced five single hits, hit double platinum.
In 1996, Lawrence, who has had 11 No. 1 hits, had three Top 10 hits - ``Time Marches On,'' ``If You Loved Me'' and ``Stars Over Texas.''
The stars get some competition in Suffolk's skies on the night of April 12 when the balloonists will illuminate their aircraft. During the day, the balloons will be tethered. Some will have room for passengers.
In addition to hosting balloons that look like balloons, ``we're working on special shaped balloons,'' Stevens said. ``They cost, so we're looking for sponsors whose names will be on the balloons.
``The cost ranges from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on the balloon,'' she said. ``Advertising on balloons in the competitions - there'll be several competitions - will be about $2,500.''
Holiday Inn and Obici Hospital have already agreed to co-sponsor a balloon especially designed for the handicapped.
If all the activity makes you hungry, there will be plenty of food on hand. Some of the choicest will be offered April 11 when the Magnolia Ruritan Club - for $17.50 a throw - offers barbecued pork, fried chicken, chili, baked beans, coleslaw and iced tea.
Tickets are already on sale for that feed at several Suffolk locations, or you can call 539-6751.
You also can call that number for any information regarding Suffolk Spring Spectacular and balloon fest.