Port St. Maarten has organized a packed program for the inauguration of the Walter Plantz Square on Saturday, September 19 which is located near the Sea Palace Hotel. The entire affair is open to the public.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo of Port St. Maarten extends an open invitation to the public to come out during the day on Saturday and attend some of the activities that are planned for the entire family.
The day kicks off from 7.00AM until. Between 8.30AM to 10.00AM, DJ Dekembe; Official Opening Ceremony 10.00AM until 11.30AM; DJ EM from 11.30AM to 1.05PM; Percy Rankin from 1.10PM to 2.10PM; DJ Marky Mark 2.15PM to 4.15PM; Satellite Band from 4.20PM to 5.20PM; St. Maarten Dance Theatre from 5.20PM to 6.05PM; DJ Boss Man from 6.05PM to 7.35PM; Fred York & Musicology, Betty V, Singing Olivia, Oddessy, and Roxsy from 7.40PM to 8.40PM; DJ Fabulous from 8.45PM to 10.15PM; Control Band from 10.20PM to 11.20PM; DJ Biggers from 11.25PM to 12.45AM; and Youth Wave from 12.50AM to 1.50AM.
The Masters of Ceremonies will be Kevin “Suppa” Petrona and Darin “King Vers” Hodge.
For the kids there will be a Fun Park that includes Bungee and Rock Climb Combo, a wet slide and a dry slide.
Sports and other activities organized for the day includes a boat race that starts at 1.30PM which will include boats from Anguilla, namely Upsetter, Kiedro Pride, No Big Ting, R.O.B.B., Alma Gloria, Dark Shadows, De Storm and F5 Tornado.
A Beach Volley Ball Tournament is also planned from 11.30AM to 2.30PM; as well as a Kids Fishing Tournament, Tug of War and Crab Racing.
The Walter Plantz Square at Down Street will generate a new spirit of life into the area for locals and visitors alike.
Comprising of eight small buildings constructed according to the traditional St. Maarten architectural ginger-bread design, to reflect the national heritage of the destination which is part and parcel of Port St. Maarten’s reinventing cruise tourism, the essence of the project is to bring in the heritage value of the destination by showcasing the ginger bread homes of the past.
This is part of the country’s cultural heritage and what makes us who we are, port management pointed out, adding: “It’s part of us and this is interesting to cruise and stay-over visitors.”
The approximately US$2 million project entailed the construction of a square with cabanas to be used for a bar/restaurant, the selling of arts and crafts and other tourist related goods; water fountain; palm trees; toilet/bathroom facilities; lockers; the square will be disabled accessible; parking for five taxi’s; parking on the beachside and around the area; small splash pool for kids; water fountain illuminating 30 different lights at night; 24-hour security.
The square is strategically located next to the Walter Plantz Tender Jetty which connects to the boardwalk/beach promenade, Down Street and Front Street which allows for a broader distribution flow of passengers.
On Saturday the public will get to experience the full features of the square that has been outfitted and equipped for local musicians, artists and bands with a ‘plug and play entertainment’ feature.
Entertainment is an important part of heritage square which will also feature a stage, speakers and a generator.