Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Fabulous '40s

USO performers, Roosevelt and a whole era will swing into Heritage Village.

By ADAM SECHREST
Published March 16, 2007

On Saturday, the Tampa Bay area can relive the era of zoot suits and jump and jive at Heritage Village in Largo.

"World War II & the Swinging '40s!" will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event will feature exhibitions and activities from the World War II era.

Whether you learned to dance in the swing clubs of the 1940s or today's dance studios, come show your stuff on the bandstand at Saturday's festivities.

The day will begin with a performance by the City Rhythm Orchestra at 10:45 a.m. and continue through the morning with 1940s dancing and music.

"We're doing authentic dance from the '40s," said James Norman, a dance instructor and promoter from Savoy South, a local dance organization. "Anyone is free to come dance with us."

He will don his zoot suit - a high-waisted, wide-legged suit with padded shoulders popular in the '40s - and join a group of dancers dressed in vintage costumes to swing to the sounds of that decade.

Those too young to remember the '40s, and those old enough to have lived them, are encouraged to join them on the bandstand at 2 p.m.

"Music seems to resonate across the generations," said Carol Cortright, special programs and public relations coordinator for Heritage Village.

Earlier in the day, actors will take visitors back in time with songs by some of the biggest celebrities of the World War II generation in "That's Entertainment! A USO Tribute."

Founded in 1941, the United Service Organizations was charged with providing recreational services and boosting morale for military personnel. The USO brought Hollywood entertainment to the troops with its famous traveling shows.

Performers from Bonnie Gray Productions will step into the shoes of USO show icons Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland and the Andrews Sisters. The performance begins at 12:30 p.m. on the bandstand.

Also meet former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who requested formation of the USO in response to the war.

"I'll be doing a fireside chat," said Dennis Doughman, 66, who will be in costume portraying FDR at the Heritage Village train station at 1:40 p.m. "We'll review his presidential campaign and how he led the country."

Doughman, who has portrayed FDR in the community for years, will mingle with the crowd in character after his speech. He says he enjoys talking to those who were alive during the war.

"That's their years. They're reliving those days," he said.

Young and old can satisfy their curiosity through Axis and Allied re-enactments, weapons demonstrations, a military fashion show, and a presentation by Jim Helinger, a World War II glider pilot.

But the event doesn't just commemorate the war.

In memory of the community support so prevalent in the 1940s, Florida Blood Services and Religious Community Services will hold a food and blood drive. Food drive collection points will be at each gate of Heritage Village.

"We're also celebrating the spirit of community activism," Cortright said. "It's a whole social and cultural event."

Free parking is available at 119th Street between Ulmerton and Walsingham roads. A free shuttle will run from the lot to the event entrance.

IF YOU GO

World War II & the Swinging '40s!

Where: Heritage Village, Largo

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Cost: Free

What's on tap: Axis and Allied re-enactments, weapons demonstrations, a military fashion show, a USO tribute, swing dancing, presentation on Tuskegee Airmen and talk by Jim Helinger, a World War II glider pilot.

Parking: Free at 119th Street between Ulmerton and Walsingham roads. A free shuttle will run to the event entrance.

Information: www.pinellas county.org/ heritage or call 582-2123.

[Last modified March 15, 2007, 23:22:33]