BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ORGANIZERS of the Fort Street Festival and Fashion Walk pulled off another successful production yesterday (Oct. 23), transforming the popular street into a pulsating business and entertainment hub.
The 12-hour Friday event was originally designed to assist businesses along Fort Street by attracting hundreds to downtown Basseterre to patronize their stores. Food and merchandise tents stood in the middle of the street and a colourful Carib Brewery trailer, which has grown to be the event’s hallmark, was the hotspot for the band and bar.
Live entertainment through runway modelling and a blend of local and regional music caused Fort Street to once again live up to its name, Action Avenue. Main organizer for the event Sandra Weekes told SKNVibes that there was a twofold purpose to the festivities: assisting small businesses and creating a jovial environment.
“We have invited the businesses to come out and reduce their prices on the items that they are selling, whether it is food or merchandise, so that the people can enjoy the same products at a much lower cost. We are also trying to create a cultural and festive activity so that persons can really enjoy the Friday afternoon in a clean and safe environment,” she said.
This month’s event caused a media frenzy, as a number of practitioners rushed to capture the buzz on Fort Street.
The festivities offered much-needed relief from the ongoing economic crunch to many small and medium businesses in the area. According to organizers, there is an appeal for more businesses to join in on the opportunities available.
“There are a lot of small businesses that need the help in getting people to know who they are, where they are and the goods and services they provide. This is an avenue for them. We are just asking persons with small businesses, no matter of small it might be, and you want people to know about it, we are inviting them to come onboard,” Weekes added.
Businesses are provided with tents and would have access to numerous incentives and promotions, Weekes said.
The entertainment aspect of the event, although not yet fully fleshed out, promises to open a window for young and emerging artistes who are eager to market their talents to a thick Friday crowd.
This is also expected to include a wide range of runway models, drama and poetry.
The overwhelming response was noted by the organizers but next month’s event is hoped to be grander as more entertainment and business promotions are uncovered as Fort Street is returned as the heart of Basseterre.
