St. George's town manager, Lance Furbert, reflects upon this year's Market Nights and thanks everyone who has contributed to its success.

Market Nights will end for this year on Tuesday, September 28 and the organisers of the event should be congratulated for another successful season.

Market Nights, which are held on Tuesday evenings during the summer months, have become one of the most popular activities in the Town of St. George and is particularly appreciated by visitors on the cruise ships which are docked there on Tuesday nights.

The hardworking organisers have put together a programme of entertainment, activities and street vendors which is ideally suited to the “small town” atmosphere of the town, and there is something for everyone on the square.

A variety of items are on sale with vendors offering everything from cotton candy, fish chowder, baked goods and other food stuff to artwork, jewellery, crafts and t-shirts. There is also face-painting, removable tattoos and hair braiding.

Entertainment has included the Gombeys, majorettes along with a number of other groups while DJ Mike Rebello, known as Heavy D, keeps the mood lively with music, chatter and announcements throughout the evening. Town Crier, David Frith, along with Mr. Randolph Mills and young Chelsea Mello also entertain the crowds with an historic re-enactment of the “ducking of the wench”.

The Tuesday Market Nights have truly become a family event. Shoppers enjoy browsing and purchasing the many excellent items on sale. Younger children enjoy the activities and entertainment and senior citizens, many of whom take their places on the benches on King's Square in the afternoon before the start of the festivities, sit and enjoy the activities.

There was one sad note to the celebrations this year when former Corporation of St. George's Councillor, David Raine, passed away. He was one of the founding members of the Market Group and his tremendous energy and attention to detail will be sorely missed.

The major sponsors of the Market Nights this year were TBI, Butterfield Bank, The St. George's Club and the Ace Foundation. Other contributors were BELCO, Somers' Supermart and the East End Chamber of Commerce. Without their kind support the event would not have been possible. The Bermuda Police Service have done an outstanding job this year and by their presence have discouraged any inappropriate behaviour.

Councillor, Jill Raine, and Corporation Secretary, Nancy Hooper, worked with the Market Nights organisers on behalf of the St. George's Corporation and the Corporation's staff who are responsible for the stage, electricity and the lighting. They have all done an exceptional job behind the scenes to make the event a success.

The vendors who came Tuesday after Tuesday with their splendid products contributed greatly to success of the Market Nights. The organisers which include: Dianne Amos, Terry Roberts, Joy Outerbridge, Adriana Roberts, Jill Raine, Chris Paul, Susanne Hooper, Lana Flood, and Kelly Thompson should be commended for once again making the event an outstanding success.