SUNRISE – Building on last year’s accomplishments, the organizers of the annual Jamaican Jerk Festival, presented by Air Jamaica and Publix, promises an even more sensational and impressive presentation this year. The Festival is scheduled for Sunday, November 9th, 10am to 10pm, at Markham Park, in Sunrise, Florida.
The Jamaican Jerk Festival has rapidly become one of South Florida’s premier Caribbean family events with the distinction of being the largest Caribbean food festival in the United States.
Traditionally staged in September, the festival has been moved to early November in an effort to dodge heavy rains which have frequently hampered the festival. “Inclement weather has always affected the festival in one form or another,” stated Eddy Edwards, Sales and Marketing Director of Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, organizers of the event. “We are hoping that this shift will take us away from the rains and allow patrons to fully enjoy the outdoor festival experience as we improve and develop the event to its full potential.”
The Jamaican Jerk Festival is a celebration of authentic Jamaican Jerk in its various forms, and includes an extensive Food Court offering a variety of jerk foods. The hotly contested Publix Jerk Cook-Off offers professionals, aspiring chefs and casual cooks an opportunity to win $1,500 as well as bragging rights and the Dutch Pot Trophy. Last year’s winner, Sharon Jefferson, a dentist by profession, will be back with her team to defend her title and hopes to impress the judges for a second time with her tasty jerk creations.
Supermarket chain Publix has signed on as a Presenting Sponsor as well as title sponsor of the Jerk Cook-Off pavilion. “We are very excited to have Publix as a partner of the seventh annual Jamaican Jerk Festival,” stated Marjorie Straw, Executive Coordinator of the event, “Our ability to partner with major sponsors is testimony that the Jamaican Jerk Festival is growing as a branded event and speaks to the valuable impact the Caribbean community is making in South Florida.
Publix Super Markets spokesperson Kim Jaeger stated, “At Publix we believe in celebrating family and food. The Jerk Cook-Off is more than a friendly competition boasting some of the best jerk foods ever tasted. It is a way to celebrate family and the recipes that have been passed on from generation to generation. Publix enjoys supporting this event.”
The Jamaica National Cultural Stage is one of two cultural stages that will offer a variety of artistic and literary performances celebrating Jamaica’s folk traditions. Activities on these stages will take place from noon until the main stage gets going late afternoon.
Already booked for the main stage is the legendary Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Antigua’s Reggae Ambassador, Causion and Soca Queen, Allison Hinds, who will return to fulfill her obligations from last year’s festival when heavy rains prevented her from performing, disappointing many.
An expanded Kidz Fun Zone will feature several rides, bounce house and rock climbing wall as well as clowns, face painting and other activities to keep the young ones busy. A special children’s menu will be available offering jerk burgers, hot dogs as well as treats such as ice cream, cotton candy and other goodies.
Sporting enthusiasts will have lots to choose from, as a competitive 20/20 cricket match will start the day’s activities followed by an exciting six-a-side knockout soccer tournament.
The ladies will take the court and show their skills in netball as Air Jamaica’s champion netball team will compete against a South Florida all-star team in what will be a thrilling contest. Over in the Domino pavilion, a number of contestants will square-off for enticing cash prizes and a chance to compete in the World Championship of Dominoes Grand Finals in Jamaica.
The 7th Annual Jamaican Jerk Festival is presented by Air Jamaica and Publix. Sponsors already committed are County Line Chiropractic Centers, Jamaica National, Hot105 FM, WEDR FM, WAVS 1170 and the National Weekly. Discussions are ongoing with other corporations which will be announced as agreements are reached.
Information for the 7th Annual Jamaican Jerk Festival can be accessed through the event’s website at www.jerkfestival.com
