PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Over 2000 patrons dressed in all white lined the streets of Philipsburg as they supported the various vendors and enjoyed the grand performances at the All White Grand Finale of Koop Avond. The season ended last Thursday, August 1, and featured a free international concert.
Kajam Quartet and The SMS Experience Band really rocked the crowd with their powerful performances, but Jean Marc Ferdinand, Mr. Tiki Tak Tiki Tak, really took the crowd to another level with his explosive energy.
Many dignitaries were present and offered their congratulations and support to bring life back to Philipsburg. Minister Johnson congratulated producers, vendors and patrons on a successful Koop Avond.
“ On behalf of the Ministry of TEATT we are elated to support this event. The next Koop Avond in 2020 should line every area of Front and Back Street; it should be the biggest event our nation’s capital has at this time of the year. So by extension I am pledging my unwavering support and commitment to see Koop Avond grow to its biggest potential ever in 2020!”
Minister Wycliffe of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports shared similar sentiments and reminisced to a time when Philipsburg was the center of night time attraction and encouraged organizers to produce the event more frequently. The support and positive feedback was overwhelming for the organizers who were both sorry to see the five week event come to an end and happy and motivated that the event was so well received.
Mr. Rude of Xtratight Entertainment was very happy to hear Minister Johnson pledge his support for Koop Avond 2020 and stressed that a partnership with government can only make the event greater. “This is more than just budget, I am hoping with the ministry on board that they would pulse the stores on Backstreet and Front Street to open and really make it the Koop Avond… we have the structure and we have the materials to do it but if we have the ministry and everybody on board with a snap of a finger we can make it happen and I am ready!“.
The organizers have seen that the people want to come back to Philipsburg and are already brainstorming ways to make Koop Avond bigger, better and more frequent. For a glimpse of all the action and fun head to Xtratight Entertainment’s facebook page for pics. For more information contact Xtratight Entertainment at 522 9872.
