TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Street parade in GC in March

I saw something posted that the parade is on Tuesday nights. I thought it was Thursday night, and what time does it start? Thanks!!

Not exactly sure of the start time, but we are going at 7:00.

Tonight is the last time this year.

Thanks Ted n Jan! Weird, I was there in April one year and it was still going on. I guess it has to do when Easter falls?

Actually, has more to do with money. Not enough of it to fund more.

I haven't asked any of the business owners, but one has to wonder if they didn't have to fund their own security, then maybe they could fund the Harmony Nighs/mardi Gras for a longer run.

Not that it answers the OP's question, but my impression of the Harmony Nights (based on our February visit) is that they have really matured. The "party" is still a lot fun without being overbearing, and the number and quality of vendors is really great. Music quality is up and variety is good. We enjoyed this year more than years past.

I don't think there is any "funding" involved. I doubt anyone in the parades gets paid. What would need to be funded?

I know there is 'funding' involved, although I am not sure for what. Quite possibly for extra security, parking, etc. And while I don't know for sure, I certainly wouldn't be surprised if those in the parade got paid. Why not? The story in the DH said that the reason why it was shorter this year was because of lack of funding. Not sure if the funding involved was from the Collective' or from the merchants.

Ok If that's what that say, it must be true.

OK, well I read it in the Daily Herald, so it SURELY must be true!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> Seriously, though, I wonder why you would think that there would be NO cost to it? That doesn't make sense, in today's world.

I am not sure but if I lived there I would not want it going on and on. We have never been in GC when it is going on but could it be a detriment to buisness with the road closed and a demographic that would not be utilizing high end French restaurants.

It is Tuesday night, and it is a lot of fun. The restaurants seemed pretty busy the night we were there. We had dinner at Piazza Pascal that night then went out in the street to enjoy the party. Found some good dessert at one of the venders tables as well.

Actually, I think you're probably incorrect there. The high end restaurants are generally very busy that night, and I think the atmosphere is good for all the businesses in town.

We went there last night and had dinner at ocean 82. The place was completely filled with patrons and people were waiting for tables when we left as well.
The parades were lively and vendors were busy and streets filled with people. I think it is a big mistake for the Tuesday night event to stop now. It will surely hurt the business district in Grand Case going forward.

We stayed in Grand Case the last week in February and visited shops and restaurants there every night. While there were people around every night, Tuesday night was packed, and all the restaurants and shops were very busy, as well as the street stands. it was a noticeable boon for the restaurants, including the high end ones, compared to the other nights. I'm guessing the costs for the event includes things like the extra guards to block off the street and direct traffic, for example, plus the other bands playing along the street are probably paid.

In terms of timing, the street is blocked off by 6 p.m. and the venders begin setting up. By about 7 they were all up and some of the bands along the street were playing. The "parade," which is just a couple of dancers in Mardi Gras costumes and a small band, start from the lolos about 7:30 or 8:00 and very slowly work their way down the street, pausing to play and dance often, and allow for photos with viewers. While it's pretty small, they are all having a great time, so it's fun to watch.

When we are driving over, we like to get there before 7 so we can park in the paid lot. If you want to eat at one of the nicer restaurants, I'd recommend a reservation. We made a reservation on Tuesday afternoon for Bistroit Caraibes and by then they were completely full for their first setting, so we reserved for 8:30 but didn't get seated until after 8:45. One of the nice things about eating in the restaurants that night is that there is no car exhaust, although it's a bit hectic with all the walkers by.

By 10 p.m., the venders were packing up and the street was open again.