By mid day the Tiki Bar and almost everywhere surrounding the area is bursting with people. People having a good time, people meeting others, and some people just fulfilling an every year tradition, are soaking up the sun on this day of the bar’s annual opening.
“We come here every year,” said a small group of people. This group has made the Tiki Bar opening a tradition. “[My favorite drink here is] that new drink, a Mojito.”
As of 3:30 people all over the area are still coming onto the island, visiting the Tiki Bar to do their share of celebrating. “We come every year, ever since I was twenty one. I like to see old friends and people I haven’t seen in a long time… It’s great!” said a woman wearing a fair share of beads. Beaded necklaces are very common at the bar’s opening today, with almost everyone wearing at least a number of them.
People enjoying the opening are not only at the bar and its surrounding socializing areas but also across the street by the water and the boats. Around the water area people are coming and going onto the boats for better sightseeing and entertainment.
Apart from the local crowd, there are many special groups and people at the bar as the new 2007 Tiki King, a few select pirates; both male and female, and the Bud Lite girls, to help give the kick- off even more life.
“We’re going to stick around for a while and try not to drink too heavily,” said a middle aged man, enjoying the view by the water. “I’m from around here, so I’m here to check it out.”
All over the area are people from all generations. From younger twenty year olds to older men, many of which are boaters or fisherman. According to Tiki Bar Event Staff, even a larger crowd will still be arriving later as the day continues.
