The West End Fest Committee, along with various sponsors, combined to hold what was described as a very successful August Thursday boat racing, musical and food event.
It was another of the annual functions to continue the August Thursday tradition at Meads Bay, dating back to the days when boat racing and musical entertainment were the main island-wide attractions there. It was also a time when there were no hotels and other places of upscale accommodation on the beach, thus expansive space for social gatherings.
The re-introduction of the August Thursday events, a few years ago, by the West Fest Committee and its sponsors, was facilitated by the Connor’s family of West End who made available the needed beach land for the activities. The land area is located just south of Carimar Beach Club, well away from the other tourism properties, and offers vantage views of the beach and seacoast for large crowds of nationals and visitors alike.
Mr. Cardigan Connor, the Elected Representative for West End and a driving force behind the West Fest Committee, was on hand to speak to The Anguillian newspaper.
“Pretty much, the events here are vital to our community as well as to Anguilla on a whole,” he commented. “It traditionally goes back to some sixty years – in fact since boat racing began as a sport and part of our culture in Anguilla. Meads Bay has always featured in our activities. Initially, it was Sandy Ground on August Monday, and August Thursday down at Meads Bay. In fact, there was a famous calypso – ‘If you looking for your girlfriend [on August Thursday] you will find her at Meads Bay.’
“A number of people I have spoken to, 40-plus years, talk about their experience as youngsters coming to Meads Bay for the coco plums and the sea grapes. For those who were not into boat racing, they had a good passion for the music at Davis’ Dance Hall. It has been, and continues to be, a case of Anguillians coming together and for family reunions. A lot of it is centred on August Thursday, and we have to give our West Fest Committee our thanks – and a lot of credit and applause to the Connor’s family of Meads Bay. They have allowed us to clear and use the area so that we now have the space to accommodate our full boat racing, entertainment and the crowds that have grown over the years.”
Meanwhile, the Champion of Champions Boat Race, which was planned for Sunday, August 12, at Sandy Ground, has had to be postponed as a result of unfavourable high wind.
