Sheena Gayle, STAR Writer

Western Bureau

Persons in Montego Bay had an opportunity to experience Christmas a bit early as the MoBay Nite-out initiative, on Monday, re-energised the once polarised Gloucester Avenue (Hip Strip) to reclaim its glory of former years.

The successful staging of the one-night event by the St. James Parish Council, business community and the participating local and overseas visitors gave the city an injection of hope that entertainment and cultural activities can once revive the absence of things to do in Montego Bay.

"We are encouraged by what we saw Monday night, there are a few things that we are going to tweak for the next staging but bringing back this event after 15 years, the signs are very encouraging for MoBay Nite-out," said director of sales and marketing at Margaritaville Caribbean and vice chairman of the MoBay Nite-out Committee André Dixon.

Revive the area

For years the lull in activities along the celebrated Hip Strip has resulted in weakened perception of its once vibrant accolade. It was on this notion that Mayor of Montego Bay Glendon Harris launched a campaign to revive the area's commercial activity.

"We are looking to have this event every month then we take it from there as it relates to how often we are going to have it. But from all indications it was a success, we had activity, persons were once again excited about the Hip Strip and we are very happy with what we saw on Monday," the mayor mentioned as he enjoyed the Digicel concert at the Old Hospital Site along the strip.

Security was a major issue when the event was staged years ago.

However, this time around, the huge presence of police and other security personnel as well as the Tourist Courtesy Corp gave patrons a sense of safety and deterred criminal activities. There were no reported incidents at MoBay Nite-out.

There was no shortage of entertainment along the strip as at every 200 feet music systems with some of Jamaica's top disc jocks kept patrons active. The Digicel truck and Smirnoff mobile system were on point with the level of energy they generated from their music systems.