Connie Francis still knows how to make an entrance! Riding in a vintage red Cadillac convertible, the star of the 1960 classic movie "Where The Boys Are" recently returned to Fort Lauderdale Beach to announce plans for the “Great American Beach Party,” a major special event scheduled for May 29, 2010 that will celebrate the film’s 50th Anniversary.
>>> SEE CONNIE'S ARRIVAL AND MAYOR SEILER'S PRESENTATION <<<
(nine-minute video clip)
“We’re honored to welcome Connie Francis back to Fort Lauderdale Beach to mark this historic occasion,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor John P. “Jack” Seiler at the kick-off gathering. “It’s a unique way to unveil our plans for a one-of-a-kind event that pays tribute to this film and captures the spirit and nostalgia of the 1960s.”
The Great American Beach Party with Connie Francis will take place on Saturday, May 29, 2010, and will feature a day and evening full of exciting activities on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
The free event will begin at approximately 11:30 a.m. when a portion of Fort Lauderdale’s world famous A1A will be transformed into an entertainment mecca, featuring music, live performances, and activities for the entire family.
Live bands will perform classic hits from the 1950s and ‘60s throughout the day in the vicinity of A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. Children and adults will enjoy an array of activities including hula hoop, limbo and Twister contests, a water balloon toss and a sand castle building competition.
Cutback Surf Band
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Lu White
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Swing Sisters
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The event will also feature a Classic Car Show. Vintage automobiles from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s will line A1A giving beach-goers an up close look at more than 50 hot rods, rag tops and muscle cars that made the era famous.
A special Reunion Area will be set up where local high schools, sororities, and fraternities can gather to welcome back alumni and reconnect with old friends and acquaintances.
A history and exhibit tent will feature nostalgic photos, artwork and collectibles.
The event will be highlighted by a special appearance from Connie Francis, who will be presented with an award from Mayor Seiler in recognition of her lifelong contributions as an ambassador for Fort Lauderdale.
To top off the evening, event-goers will be treated to a special 50th Anniversary screening of "Where The Boys Are" presented by the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. The movie will be shown on a larger-than-life screen set in the sand off the corner of A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. The film will run from approximately 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.
“With the support of residents, visitors and the local business community, we’re anticipating a tremendous turnout for what promises to be a fun and exciting event that celebrates a special time in Fort Lauderdale’s history,” said Mayor Seiler.
When Connie Francis was filming "Where The Boys Are" in 1960, Fort Lauderdale played host to about 13,000 college students on Spring Break. They stayed at the Marlin Beach, Pier 66 or the Yankee Clipper Hotels. After the January 1, 1961 world premier at the Gateway Theatre in Fort Lauderdale and simultaneously at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, where it broke all previous records; the movie captured the imagination of the nation. It made such an impact that the number of 1961 Spring Breakers exceeded 100,000 people!
Make plans now to join us for Fort Lauderdale’s Great American Beach Party with Connie Francis on Memorial Day Weekend!
For more information, call the event hotline at 954-828-5363.
Entertainment Schedule
Parking
City of Fort Lauderdale Parking Lots with Special Rates
The following parking locations are located on or near Fort Lauderdale Beach. A $10 flat parking rate is effective on May 29 from 5 a.m. to Midnight at the following locations:
Birch/Las Olas Intracoastal Lot
E. Las Olas Boulevard and Las Olas Circle
Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Lot
700 Seabreeze Boulevard
Oceanside Lot
400 Seabreeze Boulevard
Other Event Parking Locations
The following locations are located near the event site or offer shuttle transportation to the event.
Galleria Mall
916 N.E. 26th Avenue - Two parking lots, one on each side of N.E. 26th Avenue
Free - Event shuttles operate from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Beach Place
17 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard
$15 Flat rate until 5 p.m.
Offsite Event Parking Locations
The following parking locations are downtown and guests are encouraged to utlize the Sun Trolley for transportation to the event. Sun Trolley transportation operates from 10 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. with trolleys running every 30 minutes. The fare is only $0.50 per person one-way. For more information, please download the Sun Trolley Route Map  or call (954) 761-3543.
City Park Garage
150 S.E. 2nd Street
$1 per hour
Sun Trolley Route: Las Olas Beaches, Stop #6
Arts & Science District Garage
101 S.W. 5th Avenue
$12 flat rate
Sun Trolley Route: Las Olas Beaches, Stop #1 and #2
Other Transportation
Bicycle racks will be available at the Oceanside Lot, located at 400 Seabreeze Boulevard.
Water Taxi will be operating their normal schedule. For more information, please visit www.watertaxi.com or call (954) 467-6677.
Road Closures
On May 29 from 7 a.m. to midnight, A1A will be closed from Las Olas Boulevard north to Cortez Street. Traffic traveling northbound on A1A will be diverted west on Las Olas Boulevard, then northbound on Birch Road and then east on Bayshore Drive to A1A.
Sand Castle Contest
Enter your family or group in the Sand Castle Contest to win prizes. Registration is free.
How to Volunteer
The City of Fort Lauderdale is seeking volunteers to serve on a variety of event planning committees. To volunteer, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 954-828-PARK (7275). |
