Bacchanal a Portie

The latest on this year's Carnival season in Portie, from the Gleaner.

It's the season for carnival and Tristar Entertainment is in the thick of things with their yearly calendar of events. The organisation will be in Portland to spread the musical energy at Portland Carnival, Soca Mesmerized.

Julius Morgan explained that Portland Carnival is a crowd puller. "We kept it last year and it was excellent. We got over 4,000 patrons and we are aiming to top it this year," he said.

The party will be staged at the Old Marina, Port Antonio, on Saturday, March 3, from 6.p.m to 3.a.m. DJs slated to mesmerise the audience with carnival music are DJ Charm, Arif Cooper and Urban Legends. Morgan also said that a dancehall artiste is expected to make a guest appearance.

According to Morgan, Portland Carnival comes as a part of a general movement to increase entertainment activities in the parish. "The goal is to change the carnival product in Portland. We want it to be as big as even the Jerk Festival," he said. "Portland is one of the most beautiful parishes in Jamaica, and it is often overlooked. We are building a product that tourists can look forward to being a part of in order to enjoy Portland. They don't normally have a lot of parties like Kingston, so this event is bound to get them out," he said.

Morgan said there is a high level of anticipation for Portland Carnival, Soca Mesmerized, and many persons have already committed to attending. Still, the planning committee intends to pull out all stops to get the revellers out in numbers. "Our promotions are concentrating on radio ads and ground work. We also intend to use up the community-based radio stations, because they have the potential to bring the people out," he said.

There will be incentives such as cellphone and Digicel phone card giveaways at the party. Along with 2-4-1 mixes for the entire night and free Supligen mixes as well as free entry to College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) students between 6.p.m and 9.p.m., Morgan is confident that he will have a full house.

Detox refreshments will be on sale, while security will be provided by the Portland police and a security firm. There will be a designated parking area with assigned persons directing the flow of traffic. Presold tickets cost $500, entry costs $700 at the gate, and it is $2,000 for the premium liquor inclusive VIP area.

Sponsors include Digicel, Supligen, Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica 50, Red Bull, Pure Country, I Shango photos and Smirnoff.

"Come out. Last year was excellent, this year we have surprises. Portland people love carnival and this one is going to be of top quality and very exquisite," Morgan concluded.