A scene during the first Philipsburg Alive Block Party.
PHILIPSBURG–Party-goers will have a chance to unwind and close the curtains on summer with a bang at the second Philipsburg Alive Block Party, which will be held in Pastorie Alley in Philipsburg this Friday, August 10, from 5:00 to 10:00pm.
“The events are going to be magnificent and all residents and visitors are welcome to join in the Philipsburg Alive Block Party event for a wonderful night in town. Come early and shop or stay late and enjoy after parties,” Philipsburg Promotional Board (PPB) official Valentin Davis said on Tuesday.
Performing live at the event will be Fred and Friends, who will dish out some RnB and jazz classics from 7:00 to 10:00pm on the main stage, and Marshal and friend, who will be serenading guests on the saxophone and steel pan at another section of the event. There will be a surprise performance with a talented artiste on African drums.
There will also be stilt-walkers and Carnival revellers who will serenade guests and take pictures with them. Several vendors will also be on location, including an art gallery, Guavaberry, perfumery store, Shipwreck Shops and a number of local St. Maarten arts and crafts vendors who have their items for sale.
Sheika’s Restaurant will be open selling light snacks and will have an open bar, Ram Indian Restaurant will also be open selling items and Sheer Restaurant will open its bar for sale of beverages. Two additional remote bars in the alley and some other persons will also be selling items. Festive umbrellas will again be placed above to brighten the sky and the event.
The block party is being organised by PPB as part of its efforts to stimulate Philipsburg’s economy and revitalise the capital.
The group has had meetings with a number of stakeholders and government ministers over the past year “to get the basics right in town,” so that residents and visitors can feel welcome, safe and secure when in town. Issues addressed in those meetings include cleanliness, faulty streetlights, security issues and pedestrian safety, amongst other things.
PPB has also been strategizing ideas with businesses to stimulate the daytime economy and regenerate the night-time economy, to improve turnover in retail, bars, restaurants, casinos and increased hotel occupancy, which would also affect family and friends meeting in the capital to attend church and other events, bringing financial benefits as well as a sense of “wellbeing “ to Philipsburg.
The first Philipsburg Alive Block Party was held on June 8. The block parties are intended to create a buzz in Philipsburg to influence afternoon shopping in town, along with evening dining, gambling and after parties in the country’s capital.
PPB plans to work closely with the Tourist Office, hotels and taxi associations to make its economic stimulus programme a success for growing Philipsburg economy.
In addition to staging these exciting Philipsburg Alive Block Parties, PPB has several exciting events planned for the capital, including the Longest Dining Table in St. Maarten, A Taste of Philipsburg, Philipsburg Restaurant Week and the Christmas decorations of the town centre.
The Philipsburg Alive Block Party will return for the tourist season with another event in town on December 7 and will continue through to the start of St. Maarten’s 50th Carnival anniversary celebration in April.
PPB thanked its corporate partner CC1, Princess Juliana International Airport and Port St. Maarten for collaborating with the event.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/79366-second-philipsburg-alive-block-party-is-august-10
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