On Saturday night, there was a real party atmosphere down by the harbour, as The Kalkan Restaurant Association invited everyone to celebrate the start of the 2010 season.

The weather was kind to the organisers, as it was pleasantly warm, with just a hint of a breeze.

Please see our report, with photos, below.

Many members of the Association were there.  Also present were Süleyman Yılmaz, tha Kaymakam (Governor) of Kaş region, and Kalkan Mayor, Saim Karakurt, who both said a few words about the importance of tourism in Kalkan.

Below: Mayor Saim Karakurt says a few words of thanks.

At around 7pm, the chairman of the Restaurant Association, Nuri Yılmaz asked the Mayor of Kalkan if he would come forward to make a number of presentations.

The Association wanted to recognise a number of people who have contributed to Kalkan's popularity as an exceptional tourist destination.  Awards were given to the town's hoteliers, restaurant owners and tour operators.

Below: Nuri Yılmaz, Chairman of the Association, pays tribute to the business people who have contributed to the popularity of Kalkan.

 
It took quite a while to get through the awards, but eventually, at about 9pm, dinner was served.

The DJ from Mojito Bar was then on hand to play some excellent music, as the crowd partied on late into the night.  There was also a very colourful, and loud firework display.

Kalkan Turkish Local News did suggest to the organisers that we should have a party like this every week, but we are not holding our breath!  However, the evening was so successful that we wonder if something similar may be planned for later in the season.  If we get to hear anything, we will let you know.

On behalf of everyone who enjoyed themselves on Saturday, KTLN would like to thank the members of the Kalkan Restaurant Association for their generosity, and the staff who cooked the meal and served customers, all evening.

Particular thanks must go to Chairman of the Association, Nuri Yılmaz, for planning this celebration, and also to Mehmet Bilgiç, the owner of Aubergine restaurant, who kindly hosted the event.

The season has well and truly begun.  Now all we need is for you to come to Kalkan.  Hadi gel.

Photographs reproduced by kind permission of Ege Kurtuluş