August 6-9: Berkley Puts Finishing Touches On 21st Annual Reunion

By Rosaland Tyler

Associate Editor

New Journal and Guide

NORFOLK

If 3,000 people show up at the 21st annual Berkley Reunion on Aug. 6-9, Lisa Wilder will not be surprised.

Wilder has been working eight hours a day to put the finishing touches on the free event that in recent years has attracted some of her old neighbors from New York, New Jersey, Washington, D.C, and elsewhere.

“We have several marketing people who are going door-to-door and asking for suggestions and donations,” said Wilder, who recently succeeded Perry Hargrove as the chair of the Berkley Reunion.

“What’s new this year is we are trying to bring back some of the events from the past like the horses for kids and national entertainment,” said Wilder, 40, who has lived in Berkley most of her life. “People are making suggestions. Nearly everybody said they always love the reunion but they are also making suggestions.”

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The three-day reunion will feature something for everyone. For example, a representative from the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office will address the group. There will be a NAACP Scholarship Award. And the entertainment lineup will include legendary artists like Miles Jaye, Glenn Jones, and Levi Little of Blackstreet. Jazz lovers will have the chance to savor music from well-known artists including Honey and the Rock and Against All Odds Jazz Band. The gospel line up will include New Hope Christian Congregational Church and Youth for Christ Choir.

Sunday worship services will be held at First Baptist Berkley at 10 a.m.

Wilder who is married and has five children, ages 21 to 11 said, “If anyone wants to volunteer or sponsor this event it is not too late. We have sponsors from different companies. We sell tee shirts. We have vendors.”

“We have been planning it since last November,” Wilder said. “This year I am doing everything. It is new to me. Sometime it gets rocky and scary. But I am enjoying it.”

To learn more about the Berkeley Reunion please phone 701-6365.