Koop Avond starts Thursday afternoon | THE DAILY HERALD

June 18, 2018

~ New shopping experience in Philipsburg ~

PHILIPSBURG– Common in different parts of the Netherlands, “Koop Avond” (Shopping Night) promises to be a night of food, live entertainment, shopping and local crafts starting Thursday from 5:00 to 10:00pm. This is an Xtratight Entertainment initiative and will go on every Thursday until July 26.

According to a press release from Xtratight Entertainment on Sunday, “Koop Avond was designed to help boost St. Maarten’s economy by creating a unique all-encompassing experience that encourages merchants and restaurants to extend their opening hours, and stimulates entrepreneurship by proving an affordable platform for local vendors and small businesses to showcase their products or services.
“The programme also promotes volunteering and community service through schools and social organisations, and enhances St. Maarten’s tourism product by offering an experience that engages the hotels, tour operators, and taxis in more cohesive way. This while safeguarding St. Maarten’s cultural value by promoting our local ambassadors and icons and giving exposure to local talents.”
More than 15 vendors have signed up to be a part of the Koop Avond kick-off on June 21. Variety adds to the uniqueness of the Koop Avond experience. For example, there will be a variety of johnny cakes, fashion, handmade crafts, natural juices, a photo booth and even bouncies to ensure a total family outing.
In addition, entertainment includes CD Rankin, New Generation Status Brass Band, Nacio Sutton on the steel pan, and Control Band will be ending the evening. Most of the entertainment will take place directly in front of the Courthouse. Hosting Koop Avond is none other than Shadow Man.
Koop Avond can be found on Front Street from Rouge et Noir Casino to St. Rose Arcade. Shuttles have been arranged to and from various hotels around the island. Tourists will be provided with an affordable way to experience St. Maarten. During the upcoming weeks, stores and restaurants will be providing specials during Koop Avond.
As safety has been an issue that has impeded the launching of activities in Philipsburg over the years, Xtratight Entertainment is working closely with the police and the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI to ensure that this a safe and wholesome experience for both locals and tourists.
Other key partners include the Department of Culture, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, Philipsburg Promotional Board, Downstreet Community Council, Specs Kiddies Corner, Funtopia, and Carib Beer.
Xtratight Entertainment management is open to building relationships with others in the community to build lasting create socio-economic impact. Among others, the management is looking forward to having the port entities, such as Port of St. Maarten and Princess Juliana International Airport, come on board.
Xtratight Entertainment understands the power of creative industries to stimulate the economy, provide opportunities, and create positive morale. Under the leadership of entrepreneur Bertaux “Mr. Rude” Fleming, Xtratight hosts some of the biggest entertainment events, such as Night of The Hitmakers, Fyah Under Yuh Foot and TelCell Breakthrough.
“The late Roland ‘Pa Ben’ Bryson was a key part of the success of Xtratight Entertainment and would have been for Koop Avond. He was a part of the planning stages before his untimely death. The Koop Avond is also done in remembrance of him and to honour his undeniable legacy of promoting St. Maarten’s culture,” said Xtratight on Sunday.
For more information on becoming a vendor for Koop Avond, call +1-721-526-9643 or email events@xtratight.com .