Legacy Nights takes Winchester back to the 90s

Published 2:00 pm Friday, July 14, 2023

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As advertised, the Legacy Nights concert series at Legacy Grove Park continued on Tuesday night in Winchester.

And, as also advertised, the 1990s were celebrated.

Along with hearing music from the band NVRMND, dozens of residents were present to watch a costume contest amidst a joyous atmosphere.

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“We were invited to come out and be part of this community out here for the Legacy [Nights] concert series, and we’re excited,” said Mike Huff, Lead Singer of NVRMND.

As the event began and individuals gathered around 5:00 p.m., there were plenty of vendors for dining purposes.

While Bell on Wheels made one of its frequent appearances, Cookies and Cream was present for those looking to indulge in sweets.

However, appearing for the first time, the Mac A Tude food truck had a location.

Calling itself “macaroni and cheese with attitude” and specializing in a variety of blended choices – including chicken and bacon ranch, creole crawfish, and elote’ street corn – the idea came from owner Ron Flickinger.

“We’re one of the few trucks that are out on the circuit right now doing loaded mac and cheese bowls, but we also have bubble-flavored lemonade,” said Flickinger, who previously owned a restaurant in Richmond before selling it. “The crawfish is actually one of our top sellers.”

Also present at the event, as is new this year, were several non-profit and other businesses.

Clark County Community Services, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, and Blue Rose Designs by Terri were among them.

Leeds Center for the Arts also made an appearance.

“No matter what the situation [is], people always come together to try to make a way of life here,” said Executive Director Tracey Miller. “We want everyone to feel welcome at Leeds. We want to be able to enrich people’s lives through our storytelling and through education. There [are] so many different ways that we feel like we can.”

Shortly after Lexington singer-songwriter Sydney Norman, making her Legacy Nights debut, served as the opening act, the costume contest began.

Among the entrants was Brit Reese.

Accompanied by his pet macaws, Scarlett and Papas, he was dressed as a pirate, complete with a buccaneer hat, sword, eye patch, and more.

“We’re pirate themed from the 90s,” said Reese, referencing films such as “Hook,” directed by Steven Spielberg. “We’re going all over the place with the birds, and it’s not always these two birds. I rotate the birds in and out.”

Other entrants included Jackson and a co-worker dressed as Wayne and Garth from “Wayne’s World,” one contestant wearing a Lollapalooza t-shirt, and Winchester City Commissioner Hannah Toole wearing a “Bayside Tigers” t-shirt about the hit 1990’s show “Saved by the Bell.”

Heather Reynolds, riding on roller blades while wearing polka dot shorts and a bucket hat, was announced as the winner.

First-place prizes included a t-shirt advertising Legacy Grove and a $50 gift card that could be used at several restaurants.

“I’m a big supporter of Legacy Grove. I love everything they do,” said Reynolds. “I love to skate here. I skate here at least twice a week.”

Afterward, NVRMND took the stage.

They played memorable songs to the crowd, including Lenny Kravitz’ “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” Stone Temple Pilots’ “Plush,” and The Black Crowes’ “Hard to Handle.”

Asked what he enjoyed the most, even after years of playing, Huff responded.

“Watching everybody remember the songs and singing them back,” he said. “That’s the best.”

The Legacy Nights concert series continues on Tuesday, August 8, with a performance by Ox-Eyed Daisies and an opening act by Jacob Fultz. The music starts at 5:30 p.m.