Weekend in Dreamland

Latoya Grindley & Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Gleaner Writers

By all accounts, this year's Smirnoff Dream Weekend in Negril, Westmoreland, was a resounding success.

The result was great, says Deane Shepherd of Blueprint Consulting, and one of the major organisers of the event. He credits the six months of hard work and planning done by a superb team for the success. It is too early yet to state whether the weekend was a financial success, but in spite of the hectic days, it was good to see people enjoy themselves.

Asked what he'd do differently next time around, Shepherd said they would manage communications regarding online ticket sales to patrons better. "We ran out even though we tried not to sell too many; in these events, patron safety is always a concern so we held back on the season bands, but that was not communicated well," he said.

But this year's renewal is the biggest ever, with Negril teeming with many more than its usual population. And the economic spin-offs were good, as those benefiting financially included vendors, restaurants, the transport sector, persons employed as parking lot attendants, wrecker companies, off-duty cops, and more.

Among the many parties was one of the most anticipated in the Dream line-up, Daydreams. It certainly lived up to the high expectations. Held last Saturday, patrons invaded the sandy shores of Long Bay Beach dressed in white, in keeping with the all-white theme for which the party is known.

With a heavy downpour earlier in the day and intermittent drizzle during the party, it was evident that patrons were determined to enjoy themselves rain or shine because, after all, they would be partying at the beach.

Swimsuits were the order of the day for majority of the women who came out, and for those who didn't want to show too much, cover-ups in the form of wraps and dresses were part of the attire.

With ample space, patrons comfortably enjoyed the music and the food provided. And when it was time to party, the front of the venue became the dancing area for many. The bartenders were kept busy they provided mixes that also contributed to the good vibe among patrons all evening.

Even when it was apparent that the party was coming to an end, persons were still seen relishing the fun and excitement, dancing up a storm to musical selections as they departed.

Wet 'n' Wild!

Not even the heavy rains or lightning bolts could stop patrons from getting on bad at the Smirnoff Dream Weekend's most popular party, Wet 'n' Wild, held at the Kool Runnings Water Park on Sunday, July 31.

Long before its scheduled 2 p.m. start, a massive crowd converged on the gate waiting to enter. And once inside, patrons left no doubt they had come to have fun. The subsequent downpour only intensified patrons' wild side as they went crazy on the dance floor. Forget make-up, hairstyles, they were there to get wet. Women came clad in swimsuits, tiny shorts, beach dresses, wraps, men's beach shorts and T-shirts paired with sandals.

Waterslides and floating tubes provided much fun as everyone revelled in the water and had a grand time posing a challenge to lifeguards when it was time to leave. In spite of its premature end, all had a whale of a time.