Comments on: Cup Match BeachFest Moves To Snorkel Park

By: Horseshoe Packed, Snorkel Park Not So Much | Bernews.com

Horseshoe Packed, Snorkel Park Not So Much | Bernews.com — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 22:14:02 +0000

[...] original announcement prompted over 75 comments on the article, with some locals saying they objected to the entry fee, others saying the tradition has always [...]

By: Mike Hind

Mike Hind — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 02:54:25 +0000

But… we’re talking about the party, not the venue.
“You don’t need all the entertainers and live performers to make it a good time”? Did you miss the part where… um… that’s what they do? That’s what Beachfest – as put on by Chewstick – is all about.

By: Capital Z

Capital Z — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 01:02:06 +0000

Sometimes all you need is a lil box some drinks and the party will pop simplicity is beauty people come to Horsehoe for the atmosphere, beautiful ladies socialising, relaxation, family vibes and so forth I agree cutting back would show that they still care for the promotion of good vibes of the arts regardless of the tricks and gimmicks I remember the first one cuz I was a featured artist and it was nice I mean some would be happy with a lil spot with a small box and a few singers with a guitar etc what happened to the grass roots feel that Chewstick used to adhere to I too believe they have become too commercial i dont live on the island anymore and I’ve heard that Beachfest has been attracting passa passa lately it used to be a more friendly environment yes it was a great adult event but there used to be room for family vibes too, nowadays you ain’t taking ya family down there if you have youths you can forget it there is no space ! There comes a time where you have to draw the line I know that the Chewstick movement meant well when they created this event 8 years ago but I hope they don’t think people are gonna follow suit and relocate to Snorkel cuz they are in for a rude awakening Snorkel compared to Horshoe ain’t got no vibes besides tradition cyan dun people will just revert to the vibes that made it splendid for years and years prior !

By: Mike Hind

Mike Hind — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 14:38:46 +0000

I’m “jumping to the defensive” because this bizarre faux outrage and hate for Chewstick is amazing to me.

It’s just weird, this “I’m mad that Beachfest isn’t going to be at horseshoe, so I’m going to smacktalk about Chewstick and then be all “I DON’T CARE ABOUT BEACHFEST, I’M GOING TO HORSESHOE ANYWAY” thing is just odd to me.
If people don’t care about the party, then why do they care where it is?

And no one is denying that it’s a bad move. What people don’t seem to get is that it’s the ONLY move. The options were: Don’t have it or Have it at Snorkel Park.

What else could they have done?

And yes, I AM loyal to Chewstick. I believe in what they’re trying to do. Why is that surprising?
More importantly, why is it surprising that MR, a long-term member and supporter of Chewstick is loyal?

By: Mike Hind

Mike Hind — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 14:31:23 +0000

I don’t remember anyone complaining when it got bigger and bigger.
I don’t remember the complaints about the free entertainment and clean up and all the other stuff they provided.

But now that they’ve lost some funding and are unable to provide it as big as they have, everyone is howling outrage and, worse, talking a whole load of sh*t about them.

I don’t understand where all this hate for Chewstick is coming from.

If you’re going to Horseshoe because you like going to Horseshoe, why do you even care that Chewstick’s Beachfest won’t be there?

By: Mike Hind

Mike Hind — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 14:24:23 +0000

And how do you know that they knew “before yesterday”?
You’re making a big assumption here.

By: Mike Hind

Mike Hind — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 14:22:57 +0000

Check the batteries in your sarcasm detector…

By: Overseas Observer

Overseas Observer — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 13:47:33 +0000

I agree. The days before the beach was dubbed a “fest” it was a real fest. Best times ever. These years it has become too commercial. Glad Chewstick isn’t there this year.. I would have went to Horsebay Beach and enjoyed it. Avoided it last year because of the madness.

By: Sharp

Sharp — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 02:14:38 +0000

It’s interesting to see MH and MR jump to the defensive. I had no idea you two were so loyal to the organization. While I do respect that, there’s no way to spin or deny that this is a bad move. But with over 70 comments posted to this article, are GS and NC so busy playing guitar and DJing that they cannot – as known principals and perceived leaders of Chewstick – comment further?

By: Tricks are For kids

Tricks are For kids — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 19:36:38 +0000

I agree…KEEP CALM….Horseshoe Beach it is….

By: Tricks are For kids

Tricks are For kids — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 19:27:30 +0000

Gonna be like sardines in a can…..way too small for such an event…

By: Really??

Really?? — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 18:51:39 +0000

Chewstick has done this to themselves for keep trying to make this event bigger. What they fail to realize is that this event goes on with or without chewstick. This event has been happening for years and years and then chewstick decided to become a part of the event. They added a stage, live entertainment etc. Then the next year they got bigger and the next year bigger. They caused the cost of the event to rise beyond their budget, so save your sarcasm. This problem was self inflicted. Keep the event simple and there would be no issues. Like I said before, Chewstick has moved away from their roots of keeping it simple and they are paying the price for it. Open your eyes and see instead of taking your anger out on people telling you the truth, “They don’t need Chewstick to enjoy Horseshoe Bay”

By: Really??

Really?? — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 18:37:49 +0000

Why do you need to have all of that? People were going to Horseshoe long before Chewstick was around. And a free party was exactly what it was. Cupmatch has always been about the environment and you don’t need all the entertainers and live performers to make it a good time. Horseshoe has always been popping without all that. I think as this event has become bigger, Chewstick has moved away from the simple formula that worked. All you need is one or two DJ’s playing music under a small tent. Forget everything else. Give people a little music and they will party.

By: Ayo

Ayo — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:54:33 +0000

So seems like Beachfest will be Horseshoe while Chewstick throw their own little shindig up Dockyard – good to know……….tent ready!

By: crackattack

crackattack — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:17:56 +0000

sounds like a spoiled expat that likes to wag his finger while pretending everyone outside of this island is perfect as can be and never complains and doesn’t cause trouble and farts m&m’s.

By: crackattack

crackattack — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:11:20 +0000

Someone sounds a little upset…Not that your feelings aren’t warranted, but you seem to be missing or misunderstanding a few things here:

-People just want to spend the day at the beach. As many have pointed out, “Beachfest” existed before Chewstick and will continue to be a Bermuda tradition long after we are all gone. Chewstick put a name on the event and added some flare (for better or worse), but the tradition of going to Horseshoe and spending the first day of Cupmatch on the beach isn’t something you can just pick up and move to a different location

-If they can guarantee horseshoe in 2014, i’m sure they knew before yestderday that it wasn’t working out this year. This isn’t something you put together in a couple days. I thought chewstick was always big on being pat of the community. well, why not involve the community? Let us know whats going on so we can help. Scale things back so that its more affordable like booking more local artists instead of overseas acts. Is corporate sponsorship the only way to get things accomplished?

We’re a community right? Chewstick and everyone posting here included. So why not come to an agreement as a community instead of suddenly deciding to move a decades old tradition to a different location?

By: Party Tun Up

Party Tun Up — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:06:29 +0000

LOL this is a joke right? KEEP CALM, EVERYONE IS STILL GOING TO HORSESHOE.
Sand, ocean, tent, food, drinks, music. uhhh, isn’t that BEACHFEST? since when do we “need” chewstick at beachfest to call it “beachfest?”
HA.

By: US Observer in Pink Sand

US Observer in Pink Sand — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:02:13 +0000

Spolied Bermudians…why not let ChewStick just do what they want and you do what you want without complaining. It doesn’t change one thing but cause negativity and evil thoughts amongst yourselves. Enjoy CupMatch in what most people consider paradise and think of those who are less fortunate or those who would never ever be in your shoes or live where you live. Count your blessings that such a small island still exist.

By: Mike Hind

Mike Hind — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:48:15 +0000

Chewstick!
How DARE you not provide free entertainment and security and cleanup and venue EXACTLY how people want it?
How DARE you not let them know sooner… you know, BEFORE you knew for sure that you couldn’t do it…
How DARE you try to do things for the community and try to keep the party going, even though you have to do it with what you have at hand, to a lesser scale?

How dare you? It’s shameful, really.

By: Mike Hind

Mike Hind — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:44:58 +0000

You are aware that Beachfest… you know… COSTS money to put on, right?

Security, set up, clean up after, sound system, staging, etc. etc.

THAT is why it’s “all about the mighty dollar”, because people need to get paid for their goods and services.

It amazes me that you are complaining that you aren’t getting a free party exactly how you want it… yet say that it’s not about an attitude of entitlement.
That’s almost the definition of “attitude of entitlement”.

By: Cupmatchtime

Cupmatchtime — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:36:02 +0000

I WILL BE AT HORSESHOE BAY AUGUST 1st CELEBRATING MY BIRTHDAY!!!! #traditionwahyadumb?

By: Burn

Burn — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:01:27 +0000

LOL! Truth.

By: Sorry Sir

Sorry Sir — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:00:58 +0000

One more thing, why is almost EVERY event being held at Snorkel?

Every time there’s a party or something it’s the same response: It’s at Snorkel.

Did everybody forget that there’s a place called St. Georges on this island??? No wonder St. Geo is going broke.

By: Sorry Sir

Sorry Sir — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 14:55:51 +0000

It’s not about ‘an attitude of entitlement’. It’s the way Chewstick handles things like this. If you make plans to go somewhere and a week before the event the organizers tell you that the event has been moved, you now have to pay for entry, and you can’t bring your liquor and have to pay $10 a drink, I think you would be disappointed too.

Why do we have to live in a world where everything is about money?
What happened to the days you could trade fish for corn and help each others neighbors clean theirs roofs?

The world we live in now is all about the mighty dollar and the middle-men. Everybody wants a cut.

By: Thomas Mahoney

Thomas Mahoney — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 14:42:06 +0000

Completely agree

By: Team Horseshoe

Team Horseshoe — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 14:23:05 +0000

Lmao. Exactly!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 14:22:19 +0000

Horseshoe Bay Beach is where the party is at, sad that Chewsticks thinks they made the party.

By: get real

get real — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 14:17:57 +0000

I am NOT going to horseshoe. No Sir. Can’t miss out on that One-bounce.

By: Horseshoer

Horseshoer — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 13:39:32 +0000

There was no need for an announcement. It’ll still be a normal day at Dockyard. Everyone will be at Horseshoe.

By: ganja mon

ganja mon — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 13:30:54 +0000

Drifter just likes to add his 2 cents where he sees fit. He is an OLD man not trying to have fun like young Bermudians. Most people that attend this are younger then 25, and or in College, so of course they are not trying to spend a mint on drinks and a venue to have fun.

By: Whistling Frog

Whistling Frog — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 13:30:42 +0000

Even Fort St.Catherine would have been better than Snorkel Park…

By: Thomas Mahoney

Thomas Mahoney — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 13:29:24 +0000

Nanny state??? CHEWSTICK is a charity, as you said. It is chewstick who relies on donations from the public so I would hope that you keep your snide comments to yourselves and learn from this stupid mistake especially when this could have all been avoided if Chewstick had just ASKED for money months ago. Don’t get an attitude with us – there was partying at horseshoe long before chewstick came along and stuck its name on it, and so the party will go on. If you want to pay yourselves it’s not going to be at our expense.

By: Fed up

Fed up — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 12:42:41 +0000

“Going to horseshoe was always the entertainment, Chewstick just turned it into a brand” @just input, you hit the nail right on the head! I will be at horseshoe like I am every year. Whether or not Chewstick is there, makes no difference to me!

By: What about the rest of us?

What about the rest of us? — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 12:24:23 +0000

True, and if you remember last year for Beachfest they also threatened not having the event because it wasn’t approved. If its not one thing its another

By: Field Negro

Field Negro — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 11:23:48 +0000

This aint the United States.

By: Peter Pumpkin Eater

Peter Pumpkin Eater — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 11:13:17 +0000

Speaking as a supporter, though anonymous here, of Chewstick and all that they do…fellas…this is a really bad move.

The executives of the board of Chewstick and the Chewstick Foundation should have taken what happened earlier in the year at Kitefest and learned a lesson. But even without that experience, as someone mentioned above, the Chewstick presence only enhanced the venue and vibe – Horseshoe Bay Beach. You remove the Chewstick add-on (which not everyone thought brought value) and you are left with what was there before, Bermuda’s best beach, bikinis, music, tents, volleyball, BBQ, (now) alcohol, etc, and a really good time. This last minute change of venue to, of all places, Snorkel Park, is a fail.

Promoting the arts, playing guitar, and bringing youth together is one thing, consistently and effectively hosting what has evolved into one of Bermuda’s largest and most anticipated events is another.

By: Field Negro

Field Negro — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 10:54:57 +0000

Horseshoe Bay over Snorkel Park anyday.. Horseshoe Bay is tradition!

By: Sundee Faulkner

Sundee Faulkner — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 09:51:43 +0000

As a Dockyard resident and business owner I don’t believe Snorkel Park is the best venue for such an event esp when there are cruise ships in port, limited parking and limited capacity at the venue. Would recommend an announcement be made direct to the Dockyard businesses (via Wedco) so they know that their staff and customer parking may be affected, so as the tourists can be properly notified and so as residents are aware of parking and noise concerns that are inevitable with these type of events. Thank you.

By: thinkfirst

thinkfirst — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 08:22:04 +0000

All they needed to do is cut back forget the bars and the food
if money was the big issue they could have just provided the music
People could bring there own drinks and food to the beach
if they don’t o well
Bermies are not going up Snorkle !!
Bad move should have spoke up sooner smdh

By: mixitup

mixitup — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 05:21:58 +0000

Chewstick only enhanced beachfest, it’s Horseshoe Bay that MAKES it. You guys don’t expect Bermudians to actually swim up at snorkel park do you? Gross! Anyway’s I’ll bring my speakers, bbq, and beers straight to Horseshoe like we’ve done for years… Poor chewstick to think it was about them…lol

By: Always a reason behind thing

Always a reason behind thing — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 01:54:31 +0000

well said

By: Always a reason behind thing

Always a reason behind thing — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 01:50:18 +0000

lol i agree

By: Tough Love

Tough Love — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 01:14:17 +0000

My sentiments exactly. Say SOMETHING at least a month ahead. People would have been glad to help. Chewstick had this same financial issue with Kitefest. I’m getting real tired of your stuff Chewstick! Real tired!

By: I'll be at Horseshoe

I'll be at Horseshoe — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 01:10:55 +0000

Snorkel sucks. It’s a Cancun-style tourist trap with a tiny fake beach and no parking. May the troublemakers and tourists go to Snorkel.

I’m happy that Chewstick promotes this event, but they can’t simply “move” the biggest beach party of the year and expect people will follow. If it’s not viable for them to participate, then they don’t participate and someone else can organize live music, should there be sufficient demand. People go to Horseshoe on Cup Match Thursday for the bikinis, not the rappers.

By: young observer

young observer — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 01:06:12 +0000

Dump**

By: young observer

young observer — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 01:04:24 +0000

I went horseshoe bay on the 1st day of cupmatch before chewstick or anyone wanted to turn it into something different. We had our tent, food and generators pumping to play music on the beach. We was able to drive down the hill and offload our stuff. If they come back who cares I will still keep the tradition going. Chewstick did the exact same BS right before Kitefest and got sponsors last minute. Doing this twice in a year makes it seem suspicious to the entire island even when you try and justify it. Fool me once Shame on me Fool me twice shame on you!!! Go snorkel no one will be there to be on their 2×4 beach, fake sand, rocky nasty water & over priced food & drinks!!!! Remember it use 2 be a dumb

By: Sharp

Sharp — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 00:40:06 +0000

*Not on my agenda.

By: Sharp

Sharp — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 00:39:14 +0000

Same business happened with Kitefest, a last minute announcement of doom and gloom. Chewstick have let down countless people by this move, and not just a change in venue (which has turned off most) but added costs and other unforeseen logistics. I’m afraid the only people that will be at Snorkel Park will be the Chewstick family and their friends which may be a good thing. Chewstick’s Beachfest event is not off my agenda unfortunately.

By: tidbit

tidbit — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 23:10:37 +0000

Remember they pulled that same stunt when it came to Good Friday at Horseshoe Beach! Tried to blame it on Government! It seems they will stop at nothing! I stop supporting Chewstick events for some time now. Certain individuals always want their names mentioned.

Than for some unknown reason the event was back on at Horseshoe!

All this is is a bunch of games and seeking publicity!

By: MJ

MJ — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 22:46:45 +0000

Seems like a great opportunity for someone else to put something together at Horseshoe and keep the party going.