Fort Lauderdale to Host Great American Beach Party with Connie Francis on May 29

Event to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Hit Film Where the Boys Are

Angela Sabina DiPietro, Public Information Specialist
(954) 828-4777 or angelas@fortlauderdale.gov

Chaz Adams, Acting Director of Public Information
(954) 828-4748 / chazadams@fortlauderdale.gov

Fort Lauderdale – 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.

“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.

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 Breaker’s 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, visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/news/2010/boys.htm or call the event hotline at 954-828-5363.