DATE: Friday, June 13, 1997                 TAG: 9706110089

SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER      PAGE: 11   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   45 lines

SOUTH NORFOLK'S JULY 4TH PARADE GAINS FINANCIAL, OTHER SUPPORT

The South Norfolk Fourth of July Parade, an event preceding the popular Old Fashioned South Norfolk Fourth of July Picnic at Lakeside Park, is alive and well.

According to parade chairman Brenda J. Johnson and event chairman Jeff Rowland, the parade has been growing since its start-up two years ago.

When the Fourth rolls around, Johnson said the event will feature more than 40 marching units, bands and floats.

``We expect more floats this year to make this a grand event,'' Johnson said. ``I've also gotten checks and other support from people who are members of the South Norfolk Business Consortium.''

They all care about this parade,'' she said. ``Many people have already approached us to help with donations and offer other support.''

Johnson said an appearance by the popular Highlanders bagpipe band is not in jeopardy at all. In fact, she said they have a very high profile sponsor.

``Senator Mark Earley is the sponsor,'' she said. ``He signed up to sponsor the group about five months ago.''

She said another well-known Chesapeake citizen will be backing a large marching unit.

``We also have Delegate Lionell Spruill who will be sponsoring a Norfolk State University alumni marching band,'' she added.

``This is the first time for them,'' Rowland said.

``They have at least 80, maybe even more musicians and we're excited to get them. They march all over the area at many other special events including the city-lights Norfolk Christmas parade.''

Johnson said the current parade is only in its third year. It was modeled after a similar parade that used to take place in South Norfolk more than two decades ago.

``We did research on this parade and received the necessary approval from the City Council,'' Johnson said.

``Now we're growing again. Remember, this current parade is still a baby, but its growing every year. You have to learn to crawl before you can walk. It's getting better each year and we're getting good support from the community.'' MEMO: Anyone interested in helping support the South Norfolk Fourth of

July Parade should contact Jeff Rowland at 545-3064.

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