THE PROMOTERS of the Old Harbour Bay Fish and Bammy Festival, held last Sunday, are likely to break even after the final figures are calculated. The event, endorsed by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), had a budget of $2 million and attracted at least 6,000 people, THE STAR understands.
Mr. Carlos Waul, one of three promoters of the event told THE STAR:
"The event was very successful in terms of crowd support. There is no doubt about that, but contrary to what some people feel we will not make a whopping profit. Production costs were very high with the largest slice of the budget going to entertainment and the preparation of the grounds."
Mr. Waul added that with very few sponsors the organisers had to dig deep into their own pockets, paying for almost everything including security.
Asked who would be the ones smiling all the way to the bank, Mr. Waul said:
"The fish vendors." We left the selling to fish vendors who have contributed so much to the Old Harbour Bay community. People from near and far were at the venue from as early as six o'clock to buy fish and bammy despite the official opening being announced at 10:00 a.m."
The promoters had the opportunity to make more money with the renting of stalls. But they had only rented the stalls for $5,000 each, a drop in the bucket..., Mr Waul added.
Games, which included merry-go-round, bounce-about and horror house for kids, were reasonably priced, making the event a family affair.
The promoters are hoping that the JTB will see the need for making the festival an annual event as this would ensure that the area receives the promotion it needs to move ahead.
contributed
