The CHP hosted a party by Kalkan harbour on the evening of Friday 24th April 2009, to celebrate their recent victory in the Belediye elections.  There was an open invitation for anyone in Kalkan to come along.

All food and drink was generously provided by Mayor Saim Karakurt, and a number of local restaurants donated the services of some of their waiters for the evening.

How you cater for such a large number of people, especially when you have no idea how many may turn up is something of a mystery, however the caterers did a magnificent job.  KTLN estimates that there were probably in excess of 800 people who sat down to a two course meal - fantastic meze starters, followed by barbequed chicken and köfte with rice.  Drinks were also provided for each table.

The audience was mostly Turkish, however there was a small contingent of non-Turkish guests who were made to feel most welcome.

The new Mayor addressed his constituents and was applauded enthusiastically on a number of occasions.  Amongst other things the Mayor explained how they were giving priority to the water supply problems that they inherited upon taking office.

There was a three piece band to entertain the crowd and it was not long before hundreds of people were up on their feet dancing.  The lightweights amongst us left before midnight, however more seasoned party animals stayed on until around 1 am.

KTLN is not sure how far ahead this party was planned - it seemed pretty spontaneous to us.  However, it rounded off quite nicely a week of events (the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey, the Delikkemer to Patara walk, the Yeni Türkü concert, the fundraising event for the children of Kalkan, National Sovereignty & Children's Day, and finally the CHP party). 

These events have lifted spirits and appear to signal a new mood in Kalkan - a feeling that a new administration heralds a fresh start.  If you walk around town at the moment there is a tangible feelgood factor.  The town is sprucing itself up after a cold and wet winter, and is ready for a new holiday season.