~ With Brenda Wathey ~
Daughter to one of the island’s original Carnival troupe-leaders, you can say that Brenda Wathey literally has fete running through her blood! A well-known businesswoman on St. Maarten, Brenda runs several companies year-round, BUT when the Carnival season starts, her focus is on her Carnival Foundation Rio Productions.
Incorporated in 1996, Rio Productions has been a troupe leader for 18 years and has been organizing and hosting its own parade, known as “Lightin’ Up de Road Parade,” since 2011. Brenda and her team members are held in high regard for always delivering quality, organized, safe and a-ton-of-fun events.
Last year, the Lighted Parade set off for the sixth time, drawing more than 2,000 revellers and even more spectators. The magnificent show illuminated the roads of Philipsburg!
This year, the lighted parade was rumoured to be “cancelled,” but luckily this rumour has been debunked. Lighted Parade 2018 has merely been postponed and is definitely going to happen! Brenda took some time to give an update to Out and About:
How was last year’s lighted parade?
Last year was EPIC. It was the biggest thus far and we clearly understand that having a DJ in the lighted parade is a great addition to the already popular event.
Why did you decide to cancel the lighted parade this Carnival season?
The lighted parade is not cancelled; it has been postponed! The lighted parade has become popular due to the quality of international entertainment and the level of maturity and safety. Rio Productions has set the bar high as far as it regards these particular aspects. With the passing of Hurricane Irma, many of the corporate partners were directly affected and, as such, it was decided not to compromise the quality of the parade. It was with this in mind that we decided to postpone the lighted parade for a time of year when there is little or nothing going on.
Can we still expect a lighted parade in 2018?
Yes, we are tentatively looking at the month of July, just before August Monday. People can expect the same level of international entertainment with double the fun!
What Carnival events are you participating in this year, and what are you looking forward to most?
This year, Rio Productions will be participating once again in the day parades. The theme this year is METAMORPHISIS, signalling the re-birth of St. Maarten after the devastation and destruction caused by Hurricane Irma.
