The New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council has dispelled recent rumors claiming that the annual Street Fair, a hallmark of the New Amsterdam Town Day celebration, has been canceled. Instead, the event will proceed as planned and is set to be extended to an additional weekend, according to New Amsterdam Mayor Wainwright McIntosh.
In a media briefing on Friday, November 1, 2024, Mayor McIntosh assured the public that the Street Fair is on schedule for Saturday, November 2, and will continue on Saturday, November 9. “So the rumours that are being peddled that Town Day 2024 was cancelled… we wish to say to you the Town Day activities have not been cancelled. However, there is an extension; instead of just this weekend, we are extending it to the following weekend,” the Mayor clarified.
The decision to extend the fair was also influenced by logistical challenges faced by one of the event’s primary sponsors, Banks DIH, which encountered stock issues. Mayor McIntosh explained that this shortage has impacted micro-businesses that rely heavily on the beverage company’s products to attract and serve patrons.
With over 40 exhibitors registered to showcase their goods and services on Main Street, New Amsterdam is expecting an even larger turnout compared to last year, marking a growth in participation and anticipation. “We want to encourage all across the length and breadth of Guyana and persons in the diaspora to come down to New Amsterdam to experience our hospitality, experience our different cuisines that we are offering,” Mayor McIntosh stated, underscoring the town’s potential as a tourism destination.
The celebration will continue with a variety of activities to cater to a broad audience, including the Street Fair on November 2; a Bird Competition at GTU Hall on November 3; Spelling Bee Competitions for Grades 7-8 and Grade 4 on November 4 and 5, respectively; an Impromptu Speech Contest on November 6; a Math Olympiad for Grade 5 students on November 7; Bingo at Olive Dey Residence on St Magdalene Street and the Street Fair on November 8; the extended Street Fair until 4 AM on November 9; and concluding with a Gospel Concert at Berbice High School on November 10.
With these activities lined up, the New Amsterdam Town Day promises a vibrant week of culture, competition, and community engagement, inviting both locals and visitors to celebrate the heritage and diversity of New Amsterdam.
