Q&A with Norma Wilkinson: Dol-Fan Fest on Grand Bahama a Success

Tuesday, June 7, 2005
Robert Henderson
MDBW Staff Writer

The Bahamas and the Miami Dolphins have been in affiliation for about a year now, and throughout the year, they have partnered up for some exciting events. During the season last season, the Bahamas ran a halftime show at one of the home games. The show consisted of a Bahamian Junkanoo Festival. Also last season, the Bahamas held a huge tailgate party before, during, and after the Dolphins amazing 29-28 win over the New England Patriots. And most recently, the Bahamas sponsered a Dol-Fan Fest on Grand Bahama island for Dolphins fans in the Bahamas and those who took the trip over to the Bahamas for the weekend. The Fest included ten Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, three Dolphins players, some alumni, and more. There were activities, autographs, and pictures the whole weekend.

MDBW sat down with Norma Wilkinson, the lady behind all of these events between the Dolphins and the Bahamas, and asked her some questions about the weekend and how it all panned out.

What was the aim of the Dol-Fan Fest?

The aim was to attract Dolphins fans to the Bahamas to make them aware of the products and services we offer in The Bahamas.

What players/coaches/alumni/cheerleaders attended the event?

Players were Ronnie Brown, Randy McMichael, Larry Chester. Alumni were: Bob Brudzinski, Keith Simms, Mark Higgs. 10 Cheerleaders, 4 Junior Training Camp Staff (they held a Youth clinic on the Rugby field on Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m.) and 4 Fins Force Staff (they had inflatables at the Fest).

Did you speak with any of the Dolphins players who attended, and if so, what was your impression of them?

I spoke with all three. Ronnie Brown looks like a kid, he has a baby face and he is very quiet, mannerly and soft spoken, I hope he doesn't change. Randy McMichael was friendly and he tried to remember my name after he spoke to me once. Larry Chester was also friendly. They all said that they were having a good time.

I know Dolphins fans are dying to know: would you say Larry Chester looks able and healthy enough to play in this upcoming season?

In my opinion he does. He moved a little slow in the Bahamas, but everyone slows down when they get over there, it must be the relaxing atmosphere.

Was it exciting to be able to offer the Dolphins number one pick and the number two over all pick in the NFL Draft Ronnie Brown to Bahamians?

It certainly was. He was the biggest hit with the longest line for autograph at the event.

How did the Bahamas benefit from this event?

The Bahamas benefitted from the revenue from the fans. The airlines, hotel and Tranquility shores all benefitted.

How many people would you say showed up? Did the turnout meet your expectations?

Besides the Dolphins, we had approximately 50 fans who flew over for it, others participated when we got there and the Bahamians made up the numbers. It did not meet my expectations, I feel we started promoting too late and we had some internal problems with the reservations center.

What activities did you have set up for everyone?

On Friday we had a private luncheon for the group sponsored by the Grand Bahama Island Tourist Board. Friday night was a tailgate party at Viva Wyndham Resort from 7-9 p.m. Saturday morning was the Youth Clinic for the kids of the island as well as for the visitors kids, and from 1-4 p.m. was the Festival.

Who would you say was more popular amongst the Bahamian Dol-Fans? The cheerleaders or the players?

It's hard to say, because people were taking more pictures of and with the cheerleaders, but the players autograph line was much longer.

Is the Bahamas considering any near future events with the Miami Dolphins (like the Junkanoo at halftime last season etc.)?

We partnered with the Dolphins last year and had tabling at every game as well as a Bahamas Tailgate Party just before the game against the Patriots. We will do something similar this year and probably just a few drummers during the games. It was expensive to bring down such a large group for Junkanoo, so I think Junkanoo is out.

Is the Dol-Fan Fest going to be an annual event? Will it always be held on Grand Bahama, or might it be held in Nassau next year?

We are hoping to make this an annual event, it all depends on if the Bahamas continues the partnership with the Dolphins. We won't know this until July. We want to move it around, but GB is already asking for it again next year.