MONTEGO BAY, St James — AFTER being shelved for several years, the once popular 'MoBay Nite Out' returned to the tourist capital, Montego Bay, on Monday, much to the delight of organisers, businessmen and patrons.

The event had the participation of just about every business person on the 'Hip Strip'-- from club owners, restaurant owners and hoteliers, to name a few-- as they came together to provide a night of fun and entertainment for patrons.

Chair of the 'Mobay Nite Out' committee Suzette Brown said she was pleased with the support the event received, adding that the monthly event would offer a boost to businesses in Montego Bay.

"The rebirth of 'MoBay Nite Out' was a fairly successful event with plenty of positive energy where you saw business owners along the 'Hip Strip' coming out and setting up to please the public, and the public really turned out to support the event," Brown told the Observer West.

She noted, however, that there was traffic congestion along the usually busy 'Hip Strip' during the event.

"Primarily the closing- off of one lane of Gloucester Avenue (Hip Strip) affected the traffic flow, and as a result we will be going back to the drawing board to ensure that we make the necessary adjustments so that the traffic issues can be resolved and that patrons can be more comfortable," Brown explained.

And Andre Dixon, the director for sponsorship and business liaison on the 'MoBay Nite Out' committee, said although Monday's staging of the event went very well, organisers were planning to make it even better.

"Our aim is to make the event bigger and better every month," he emphasised.

Deputy General Manager for VIP Attractions Tameka Bryce who attended the event said she thoroughly enjoyed herself. "We really had a wonderful time. It was really refreshing and such a great addition to entertainment in Montego Bay. The vibe and energy of the patrons to the music being played by ZJ Bambino and DJ Kentucky was awesome. I also went to Sexy Lizard and we were able to sit on the outside of the establishment and talk with friends over drinks. Montego Bay really needs an event like this and I hope it continues," she added.

The 'Old Hospital Park' was the main area for the evening's proceedings which featured performances by the ever entertaining Pace Band and dancehall artiste Mikey Ranks, who was a crowd favourite in the entertainment package.

The event also featured craft items, pan chicken and coconut water vendors.

The next staging of the event is set for January 21, 2013.