A grand ol' Fourth...on the third in Chesapeake

When it comes to Fourth of July celebrations, Chesapeake has the mother of them all this year. The city is basically throwing an all-day party - on Saturday - featuring a parade, military band and fireworks.

You can't get any more red-white-and-blue than that.

But why on July 3? Tradition and church.

First, the "Under the Stars" City Park celebration is always on the third. Organizers feel this gives Chesapeake a head start and allows folks the opportunity to check out the other regional events on the Fourth.

The Lakeside Park celebration and parade in South Norfolk is always held on the Fourth, unless, of course, it lands on a Sunday. Organizers don't want to interfere with church, said Melissa Lowrey, chief organizer.

So now all of Chesapeake can enjoy the parade at 10 a.m., go to the park around 11 a.m. for an old-fashioned family fun day until 4 p.m., then head out to City Park for a military band and fireworks beginning at 7:30 p.m.

" You don't have to leave the city to celebrate," Lowrey said.

South Norfolk parade, Lakeside Park activities

The parade begins at 10 a.m. in front of South Norfolk Baptist, 1101 Chesapeake Ave. It will feature a host of floats, marching units, dignitaries, pageant winners, dance school squads and antique cars.

This year's grand marshal is Bobby Clifton, a South Norfolk native and recently retired director of the Chesapeake Parks and Recreation. He served the city for 48 years.

"He's done so much for our city," said parade organizer Brenda Johnson. "He grew up in this community and helped make it, and Chesapeake, better."

The honorary grand marshal, always given to a top South Norfolk volunteer, goes to Lowrey, organizer of the Lakeside Park event.

"I had nothing to do with the choosing," Lowrey said. "I was very, very shocked when I heard the news. I never expected it, I thought maybe I'll be chosen much later on."

Johnson said Lowrey's choice was a natural one.

"She's a hard little worker and a great little activist for our community," she said. "She's a very passionate and wonderful young lady."

The parade disperses at Lakeside Park for opening ceremonies between 11 and 11:30 a.m.

Going until 4 p.m., the celebration, co-sponsored by the South Norfolk Civic League, will include live beach and dance music by F.A.B. (Fat Ammons Band) at noon. When the band takes a break at 1 p.m., the crowd will be regaled by belly dancers and the sleight-of-hand skills of magician/sheriff's deputy David Rosado.

Children can enjoy a petting zoo, face painting, balloon sculptures, a dunk tank, games and paddle boat rides.

"The Southside Baptist Church will help with the games and bring along a few of their own," Lowrey said. "They will also offer a grill to be raffled off."

Participants can bring their own picnic fare or purchase from several food vendors. But no alcohol will be sold or allowed in the park.

"It's Hometown USA, that's what it is," Johnson said.

City Park music and fireworks

Later that night folks can enjoy the stirring sounds of the U.S. Fleet Forces Band under the direction of Lt. Cmdr. Kevin E. Bissel at City Park's Bagley Outdoor Stage.

"They were so well received last year and they had such a great time, they immediately said yes to returning this year," said the city's fine arts coordinator, L. Randy Harrison. "You couldn't ask for a nicer, and more talented, bunch of people. "

After the music, the public will witness the night-sky explosions of Pyrotechnico, the Vitale family-owned company based in Pennsylvania.

"This expands the opportunities for us to celebrate," Harrison said of the Saturday events. "Folks with families can see a cool parade, enjoy an old-fashioned time at Lakeside and then hear a great military band and see some awesome fireworks. This allows people to have a longer celebratory weekend. And it kicks off in Chesapeake."

Eric Feber, 222-5203, eric.feber@pilotonline.com