Page 10 - HOH

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LOCAL Thursday 13 June 2024

Forgotten gems

Open air movie theaters

(Oranjestad)—During the this theater that “Talkies”
span of over 100 years, were first streamed, mov-
Aruba only saw five open ies with sound. This theater
air movie theatres. Now mostly streamed American
practically obsolete on the blockbusters for the Ameri-
island, these theaters were can expats, this way mak-
once frequently visited by ing sure that these migrant
locals and migrants in the were not missing out on
20th century. entertainment from their
home land.
The first open air theater In the 1950’s and 60’s, Sa- the neighboring marines, This theater closed around
was constructed in 1920 their piece of the pie with vaneta saw their own open who didn’t have much 2012, but was re-opened
and was commissioned their Open air Theatre, air theater, located in front entertainment other than during the pandemic in
by Shon Eduard (Eddy) de which formed part of the of the Marinier’s Kazerne movies at that time. July 2020, where movies
Veer. This theater was lo- Esso Club, also known as (Marine Barracks). This the- were streamed on a gigan-
cated at the Hotel Colom- the Pan-Am Club. It was at ater was mostly visited by The last and most recent tic screen set up in front of
bia in Oranjestad, which open air theater was con- stacked containers. How-
is now where the Aruban structed in the form of a ever, this nostalgic form of
census office is located. drive-in theater. A popular entertainment did not last
The theater was simple; it American concept, the very long as it was closed
only consisted of a screen, Drive Inn located in Balashi again only a year or two
and visitors had to bring was a hot spot for teenag- later. Nowadays you can
their own chairs to enjoy ers, who had the habit of still see the stacked con-
the popular silent movies of cramming all their friends in tainers when you drive near
the time. one car to go see the mov- the bridge in Balashi.q
ies. For this phenomenon
American migrants who there was a separate price Source: “De kolibrie op de
worked in the refinery and that you had to pay called rots en meer over de ge-
lived in the Lago Colony the “car crash”. schiedenis van Aruba” by
in Sero Colorado also had Evert Bongers.

Aruba Tourism Authority honored a loyal visitor at Marriott Aruba Surf Club!

The Aruba Tourism Authority re- cate for her years of visits, loyalty, consecutively visiting Aruba) weather, safety, the kindness of its
cently had the great pleasure of and love for the island of Aruba. people, and the memorable rela-
recognizing a Goodwill Ambas- The honoree was: tionships I've formed over the past
sador of Aruba. The honoree was The honorary certification is pre- Goodwill Ambassador 22 years during my 27 visits to the
respectively honored with a certifi- sented on behalf of the Minister Ms. Cheryl Adams from Pikesville island. I have my Aruban family,
of Tourism as a token of apprecia- Maryland, United States. whom I speak with weekly, and
tion and to say “Masha Danki” to Mr. Jorgino Willems representing I share my magical experiences
guests who have visited Aruba 10, the Aruba Tourism Authority, and with my US family and friends. As
20, or 35 years or more consecu- staff members of Marriott Aruba a result, five families have visited
tively. Surf Club bestowed the certificate here this year because of my love
upon the honoree, presented her for Aruba, which truly feels like par-
The three levels of honor are as fol- with gifts, and thanked her for adise on earth."
lows: choosing Aruba as her favorite va- On behalf of the Aruba Tourism
Distinguished Visitor (10>years con- cation destination, as her home Authority, we would like to express
secutively visiting Aruba) away from home. our sincere gratitude and appre-
Goodwill Ambassador (20>years Reason for returning to Aruba pro- ciation to the honorees for their
consecutively visiting Aruba) vided by the honoree was: continued visits to the “One Happy
Emerald Ambassador (35>years “I love Aruba for its prestigious Island”. q