Anyone who thinks there isn’t much to do on this island would be hard-pressed to defend that argument at the moment.
From galas to carnival and concerts, it’s difficult to keep up with the calendar of events right now. And, on certain dates, there can be two or three tempting festivities jockeying for position.
On 22 May at Mykonos Restaurant, I had the privilege of hosting Breakfast for Dinner, an annual fundraiser for the Kiwanis organisation that ensures children have access to nutritious meals. It’s an incredibly worthwhile cause, and allows attendees to wear pyjamas, nightgowns, slippers … whatever they lounge in at home.
I host a number of galas each year, and you can’t always count on guests getting into the spirit of the theme (although the National Gallery always knocks it out of the park). However, when it comes to Breakfast for Dinner, it’d be difficult to find anyone not sporting a set of jammies. Imagine the joy of not having to shoehorn yourself into a tux or a bandage dress. Tousled hair and sleep masks welcome.
Silhouette boutique organised a fashion show, as they always do, featuring Miss Cayman contestants walking throughout the restaurant in the latest designs, and there was a silent auction and raffle.
A fun thing to note: Earlier that week, my bestie Lynne and I had gone to Blue by Eric Ripert for a drink at the bar, and we got chatting to an American couple who were visiting Cayman for the first time. The next night, we bumped into them again, and this time they were with another husband and wife who had flown in from Colombia that day. I casually mentioned that I was hosting the fundraiser on Friday, and they all instantly said they would buy tickets and come along.
I was sure it was the demon drink talking, so the next morning I messaged our new buddy, Chad, to give them an out. Nope! They were still as gung-ho as the night before. All-in!
Not only did they show up and buy their tickets; they also bought into the raffle, and won at least two of the silent auction items. George, who found himself the winner of a massive Voluspa candle in a glass jar the size of a hefty plant pot, dutifully paid his winning bid amount and promptly gave the candle to some lucky attendee.
“It’ll cost me a fortune to fly that home,” he explained, as he happily handed it to its new owner.
I mean, how cool is that? Four tourists, who had never been to Cayman before, came along to a fundraiser, had the best time, and supported the cause. It’s a very island tale.
Of course, if I hadn’t had that event the night before, I would have absolutely been jumping ‘pon de road for carnival the next day … my eye. Listen, I am in awe of anyone who can dress up and dance under that hot sun for miles – how do they all look so sparkly and amazing? But I would be huffing and puffing after about 50 feet. And if I dared to wear one of those delicate costumes, I’d look like a trussed prize turkey – pale, mottled skin … the works. All it would take is for some rogue pointy rhinestone to get wedged in the wrong place, and every foot would take me one step closer to the proctologist.
Donna Myrie, queen of carnival, looked as radiant as ever in her stunning getup. That woman does not age.
Driving out over the past weekend, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me as we approached the turnoff to Jacks Beach Bar on West Bay Road. It seems half the island is hoofing it to the newly opened venue that sits next to the old Royal Palms lot. Watching a line of cars trying to exit while others attempted to enter – a losing battle, as vehicles were parked on either side of the entrance, creating quite the bottleneck – took me back to the old days of events at Royal Palms. Every inch of that lot would be taken up, with hardier trucks and SUVs perched on rough terrain or old tree stumps. If you dared drive in further when the place was rammed, just in case an empty spot revealed itself, you risked not being able to make it around a corner of cars without starting a series of 30 three-point turns.
Ahhhh … those were the days. Nice to see them coming back.
Everyone returned to work on Monday, but was already eyeing the upcoming Saturday, 30 May, with the massive Out of This World Music Fest slated for Festival Green and featuring international award-winning acts. Thanks to VIP lounges and access, it’s possible for the most demanding music lover to go along and enjoy the show in comfort. Hey, up until KAABOO, I had no idea how much these experiences had evolved. Preferred parking, front stage access, premium toilets (praise be!) and seating are all perks to be coveted by the Dodgy Knees Gang.
For those who missed out on tickets, or prefer indoor venues, Meals on Wheels also booked 30 May for the organisation’s annual Orange You Glad Gala at the Marriott. It helps fund the programme that supplies hot meals and much-needed company to seniors and the indigent. Guests are encouraged to wear orange, which chairman of the non-profit, Rob Imparato, always embraces with gusto. Flitting from table to table, resembling a ripe mango, his enthusiasm is infectious and has people reaching into their wallets to donate.
It will probably take everyone a day or two to recover from this weekend, but don’t take too long, because there are events aplenty coming up in June. ‘Daylight and Radiance’ on 12 June at the Harquail with the National Choir and Orchestra promises an uplifting evening of music; or you can celebrate World Gin Day with Gin Fest Cayman Islands on 13 June. Top DJs rock the boat on 20 June, and Margarita Masters Season 2 happens on 27 June. Beyond specific festivals, you can always find live music on any given night around the island, so there’s never an excuse to stay in.
Get your glad rags on, pack your mosquito spray and rediscover the local nightlife. I’ll be right there with you … after I’ve had a nap.
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