Fantastic Friday will be all-inclusive event – CDC

In an effort to add new elements to Vincy Mas, the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) has planned a treat for the calypso semi-finals.

Anthony Dennie, marketing coordinator of the CDC, said at a press conference earlier this week, that the CDC has teamed up with platinum sponsors St Vincent Brewery Ltd, to stage an all inclusive drinks event at the “Fantastic Friday” show on June 27.{{more}}

Dennie explained that once patrons pay the required fee to enter the park, it will automatically cover their drinks expense for the entire night.

However, hard liquor will not be included.

“They were willing to come on board and make the drinks available at absolutely no cost to the CDC and that being the case, when patrons come into the Park, they will drink at their leisure. The brewery must be commended as far as that is concerned,” Dennie said.

Another addition to the show will be the Roses Crew soca group, which includes former soca monarch, Delroy “Fireman” Hooper, DJ20, Rawlo and others performing for the first time in a number of years in a tribute to one of the founding members, Stuart “Rudy” Louie.

“Louie was very much involved North Leeward area of St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Dennie stated.

Louie, a 38-year-old father of nine, was gunned down on November 30, 2012, at Gibson Corner, shortly after 1 p.m. during an argument with another man.

To date, no one has been arrested for the crime. Louie was best known for his work in the community of Rose Bank. He was also instrumental in helping the Roses Crew rise to prominence.

The price for the show will be announced at a later date.

Meanwhile, president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Calypsonians Association Ann Miller says the Association has been working tirelessly with limited resources and manpower so that they can give the patrons what they pay for.

Expressing her fear that the soca art form is taking over the young minds, Miller urged persons not to forget that soca is soul calypso.

“This tells you calypso is here to stay,” she said boldly.

Miller said persons have been pleading with the Association to take the calypso tents out of Victoria Park.

“As we work towards making this a reality, it is not easy, but we can safely say that this year, we will be out of the Victoria Park for our tent shows, as we come back into the Park as the Big Yard,” Miller said.

While the schedules for calypso tents have been running late in comparison with last year, Miller said they are well on the way with the various tents, which will kick off on May 22.(KW)