Fun Fest is a hit

Based on preliminary results, the inaugural SVG Fun Fest has been a success.{{more}}

This is the view of Colin Graham, radio personality and one of the hosts of the event.

Graham, on Monday, January 3, said that from a visual standpoint, the event was a success.

He said, based on his assessment of the large number of people who turned up at the various events held throughout the country, which eventually led to the grand finale last Friday, December 31, at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, the entire programme was a success.

Graham added that the organizers were impressed with the number of persons who turned out to take part in the star search and dance competitions.

Although dampened by the inclement weather, the show went on as planned.

The finals of the Carib Girl Search was won by Jovonne John. Juverni Compton, Korisha Lee and Rickesh Douglas will join her as the official SVG Carib Girl Team. The Rock Star Star Search went to Janet Jackson, while Touchdown Dancers copped the coveted Dance competition. The event was topped off by performances by two of the region’s renowned artists, Romaine Virgo and ZJ Liquid.

“We know in St. Vincent people have a lot of talent, but are quite shy,” Graham told SEARCHLIGHT.

“SVG Fun Fest gave people that opportunity to come on stage, face the spotlight and show their talent,” he continued.

The good showing was, however, a clear indication that the majority of Vincentians are eager for the opportunity to display their talent, Graham explained.

And that was the point behind SVG Fun Fest, he further added, saying that while the show would have displayed the individual’s talent, it was more than just that. He said it was held to ensure that the winner of the star search competition remain in the hearts and minds of the general public.

Perhaps the one aspect that might have fallen below the expectations, although creating a lot of excitement on the night of the finals, was the Carib Girl Search, which, Graham said, due to the negative stereotype associated with such competitions, it was difficult to get entrants.

He, however, contended that this aspect of the show, while critics may be harsh, was about promoting self-confidence by promoting a brand.

Graham credited his team for a job well done, noting that it is only a matter of tweaking the product that already exists.

“Fun Fest was a team, it was not myself or Garth Ryan, it was a team; persons with various assignments,” Graham said.

He also thanked the sponsors for coming on board; and as for Summer Fun Fest 2011, Graham promised patrons who may already be yearning for more that it “will be hot”. (DD)