BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
playback58@gmail.com

COURTLAND—Beach music isn’t just for summertime. Ask Stan Rich about a festival last year.

“We started this in the fall. It turned out so well,” Rich said. “The response was good and people thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They asked, ‘When can you do this again?’”

The quick answer is a Spring Fling on Sunday, April 15, at the Southampton County Fairgrounds.

Gates will open at 1 p.m. with host DJ Jay Jenkins of the Shaggin’ on the Beach Concert Series. He’s regularly heard from 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays on AM stations WTRG, WWDW and WDLZ. Beginning at 2 p.m., the featured acts will be Hip Pocket, Steve Owens and Summertime, and The Band of Oz.

Rich is a big supporter of beach music as well as Jenkins and his program.

“I’m good friends with a lot of different bands, as well as the Franklin Shag Club,” he said.

Inspired by the autumn event, Rich got together with the Downtown Franklin Association, Jenkins and sponsors to put together this season’s shindig.

“Pam Ellis, president of the DFA, should really get a lot of credit for helping put it together,” Rich said.

He emphasized that this year’s major sponsors are Boyd Chevrolet/GMC of Emporia, Honda of South Hill and Duck-Thru markets in Virginia and North Carolina.

The festival will be held rain or shine and moved to the Ag Center building if need be.

The DFA will sell food, and Anheuser-Busch will provide beer. Wine also will be available. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs. No coolers will be allowed inside the gates.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Tickets can be purchased from the three sponsors or Rich.

For more information, call the DFA at 562-6900, the Tea Room at 516-6400, or Rich at 647-8700.