THE FAME FM Grande Slam was anything but. It was the turn of Grande Sport Villa Golf Resort and Spa by Beaches (formerly Beaches Grande Sport) last weekend to host the third FAME FM property party, and according to die-hard FAME party fans, it was the least exciting of the lot.
The property parties were introduced into the FAME FM party calendar this year, adding to the road and island parties. They are held at some of the island's top vacation spots on weekends. Hedonism and Braco Village hosted the two previous events.
Francois St. Juste, executive producer of FAME FM, pointed out that the radio station negotiates a rate which makes vacationing locally a bit more native-friendly. He said also that it is still not cheap but fans of the events believe it is worth the money. Grande Sport sales manager, Deanna Marchalleck, said that the rate of $26,000 per room for the weekend is well below the regular rates. Even so, she says that the possible spin-off benefit of return visits is far more important.
Indeed, Grande Sport has a lot to offer. The 50-acre property provides a explosion of greenery and a dazzling view of the Caribbean Sea. It boasts four restaurants, two grills, six bars, 90 swimming pools (many of which are semi-private), and a fitness centre. As the name suggests, the hotel caters to the sport-oriented adult.
The focus on adult entertainment inspired the name change as Beaches gets more recognition as a family resort, but there are no tots allowed at Grande Sport. Marchelleck says that though Grande Sport is conservative, they encourage fun. "We're the quiet side of wild," she says.
Nonetheless, Grande Slam failed to fulfil the expectations of some of the returning partygoers.
FAME PERSONALITIES
A group of 16, whose members are regulars at FAME FM events, was of the consensus that the event was not that great because of one primary problem. Karen Frederick, a member of the group who attended the other parties, said that the difference for her this time was the apparent absence of the involvement of some FAME personalities.
Interestingly, St. Juste had, prior to the group discussion, noted that what helps to make the FAME events different is the presence of the FAME personalities. He said that while some of the participants in the events may choose to just relax by the beach, the FAME staff encourages active participation.
While this was very evident on the beach during Saturday's Grande Slam events, the same was not true for later that night. FAME disc-jockey Marlon Young played at the Grande Sport nightclub, Nicole's, from close to midnight. However, most of the personalities were not to be seen.
The dancefloor remained close to bare for most of the night. Young pleaded with and cajoled the audience to dance but despite the hits flying off his turntable, very few made their way to the floor.
Patricia Sterling, another member of the group, dubbed the evening "boring" but noted that she had enjoyed the afternoon of friendly competition on the beach. The beach event had featured an afternoon of screaming, fun-filled games designed to make the participants look silly.
Interestingly, not all the members of this loyal group of participants are fans of the radio station. While Sterling, Tanya Dwyer, and Winston Mitchell boldly declare their preference for the station, Frederick and Leonie Hyatt dismiss it in preference for Kool FM.
Despite the disappointment they feel in the event this time around, they all declare that they will participate in the next one. Actually, they have already begun to discuss when that will be.
