Appleton May Daze got off to a start that seemed scripted for a movie. Last Friday night well over 1200 patrons flocked the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Hope Road to witness what has been hyped as the movie event of the year.

When the gates opened at 9:30pm, patrons already stood waiting in lines to enter the venue. With their signature free admission for ladies before 11:00 pm, it was no surprise that the ratio of men to women at minutes to eleven was in the region of 5 to 1 — not that the men were complaining, of course.

As was expected with the female patrons who support Appleton May Daze, they all came out looking trendy, some putting their added twist to the night’s theme which was ghetto fabulosity.

The fact that this is the first year the event series is being hosted outside of New Kingston was cause of concern for some patrons, questioning whether it was a right choice in terms of venue selection amongst other things. The first night was proof enough that Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre was indeed one of the few venues that could facilitate Appleton May Daze. The entry was seamless and hassle free, especially for the VIP Access Card holders. The spacious venue facilitated a better bar experience and the two dance floors allowed every star their 15 minutes of fame.

Staying true to the movie theme, the Good Company Promotional Team had flat screens erected in and around the venue and a 70-inch screen showcasing popular scenes from the Friday movie series produced by rapper/actor Ice Cube.

Another promise the promoters did their best to keep was to offer good entertainment and patrons danced the night away to the musical selections of resident DJ, Zj Ice and co-star DJ Shine along with the ZJ Johnny Kool and Razz & Biggy. Each provided a set that was energetic and embodied what Appleton May Daze was all about — fun, frolic and fantasy. Of note was the alternative set done by Razz & Biggy which found its way into the hearts and feet of the patrons.

The 2-4-1 Appleton Drink specials had the bartenders busy for the night and always had the patrons with a drink in hand. What was interesting was seeing them balancing the drinks with a bag of St Mary’s Chips which were being giving away by the Jamaica Producers team. The May Daze Minute has now surpassed basketball games with having the longest minute ever. For those patrons that missed it they must be kicking themselves to have missed the promoters giving away free Appleton. In almost the same fashion as the scene from Coyote Ugly, the bartenders stood on the bar counters and served Appleton Rum to the patrons free for what can be considered the longest minute. This signature effort by the Good Company Team will be a feature for the duration of the series.

This Friday is dubbed Sex and the City and the promoters have given their word that “the ladies are going to love this one”.

“The same style and fashion that has always been evident in the Sex and the City series will be bundled in a special May Daze fun package,” a spokesperson for the team promised.