Page 12 - AB

A8 LOCAL
Monday 27 May 2024

Forgotten gems

Open air movie theaters

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

Aruba Tourism Authority honored loyal visitors at Marriott Aruba Surf Club!

The Aruba Tourism Authority re- and love for the island of Aruba. guests who have visited Aruba 10, cate to the honorees, presented
cently had the great pleasure of 20, or 35 years or more consecu- them with gifts, and thanked them
recognizing Goodwill Ambassa- The honorary certification is pre- tively. for choosing Aruba as their favor-
dors of Aruba. The honorees were sented on behalf of the Minister ite vacation destination, as their
respectively honored with a certifi- of Tourism as a token of apprecia- The three levels of honor are as fol- home away from home.
cate for their years of visits, loyalty, tion and to say “Masha Danki” to lows:
Distinguished Visitor (10>years con- The top reasons for returning to
secutively visiting Aruba) Aruba provided by the honorees
Goodwill Ambassador (20>years were:
consecutively visiting Aruba) • Aruba’s people
Emerald Ambassador (35>years • Aruba’s beach & Golden sun-
consecutively visiting Aruba) shine.
• Aruba’s wildlife, especially the
The honorees were: iguanas.
Goodwill Ambassadors • Aruba’s impeccable & Aruban
Mr. Todd & Mrs. Kimberly Benson cuisine
from Lake Orion Michigan, United • “Marriott Aruba Surf Club is our
States. home away from home”
Ms. Kendall Benson from Lake Ori-
on Michigan, United States. On behalf of the Aruba Tourism Au-
thority, we would like to express our
Mr. Jorgino Willems representing sincere gratitude and appreciation
the Aruba Tourism Authority, and to the honorees for their continued
staff members of Marriott Aruba visits to the “One Happy Island”. q
Surf Club bestowed the certifi-