Fort Lauderdale’s Great American Beach Party celebrates 50 years of iconic song, movie

By DMITRY RASHNITSOV

Connie Francis will celebrate the 50th anniversary of her hit song (Photo courtesy of Connie Francis)

Connie Francis still knows how to make a crowd blush. She is the special guest hostess for Fort Lauderdale’s Where the Boys Are, Great American Beach Party on Saturday, May 29. The day will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the release of the movie and Francis’ song that basically put the then sleepy beach town of Fort Lauderdale on the map.

“We’re honored to welcome Connie Francis back to Fort Lauderdale Beach to mark this historic occasion,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler. “It’s a unique way to unveil our plans for a one-ofa- kind event that pays tribute to this film and captures the spirit and nostalgia of the 1960s.”

The free event will begin at 11:30 a.m. when a portion of Fort Lauderdale’s 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 beachgoers 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, eventgoers 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 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.

In addition Francis’ classic song “Where the Boys Are” is getting a Gaga-esque update.

Francis says the producer behind some of Lady Gaga’s hits and also Destiny’s Child has produced a dance remix of the torch song and it will be released during the Beach Party.

The 71-year-old singer said she hadn’t heard the song, but added: “I want to hear it any way it sells.”

Francis said she recently worked with her godson Rob Fusari on the remix.

“We were recording it the other day. He was saying, ‘More reverb there, Connie?’” she said to the Associated Press. “He was so cute.”

Francis said she’s seen a change in her fans in her decades in the business.

“It used to be, ‘Connie, can I have your autograph for my younger sister? Connie, can I have your autograph for my wall?’” she said to the AP. “Then it was, ‘Connie, can I have your autograph for my mother?’ And now it’s, ‘Connie, can I have your autograph for my grandmother?’ I hope it stops there!”