SUNRISE – South Florida’s largest Caribbean food festival has partnered with Grace Kennedy USA, Inc. to create what is now the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival. On Sunday, November 8th when Markham Park opens it gates, patron will sample Caribbean cuisine from Jamaica’s leading Caribbean food manufacturer/distributor and promoters of Caribbean culinary culture.
Indeed, this year’s Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival promises to be bigger and even hotter. With Grace’s wide range of authentic Jamaican and Caribbean meats, fish, condiments, sauces, and beverages, patrons can look forward to nuff nuff tastes of the spicy, sweet and savory delights from home.
With offices across Jamaica, Belize, Ontario, and the United States, Grace Foods reaches across cultures with flavors, condiments and creative fare. As a global consumer company with a Caribbean flavor, Grace Kennedy recognized the strong affinity between Grace Foods and the Jamaican Jerk Festival, USA Inc.
“It’s a natural fit,” notes Ricardo Byran, Regional Business Manager for Grace Kennedy USA, Inc.
Ricardo Byran
“This event is truly Jamaican and by extension, Caribbean. It is a well produced event; it is the best of Jamaica and the best of Jerk. We see it as a natural alliance because Grace represents the same genuine Caribbean taste enjoyed worldwide. We intend to be a part of this for a long time.”
As title sponsor, Grace Foods will showcase the best of Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine at demonstration tents positioned at strategic locations around the park. Taste testers can also get their taste buds geared up to sample brand new dishes that the company will unveil at the festival.
Publix and Air Jamaica are presenting sponsors again this year. Enthusiasts can look forward to the Publix Jerk Cook-Off that promises to bring out the best and ‘hottest’ dishes from competing chefs and wannabe jerkers who will vie for the top prize of $1500.
Kaye Chong of Air Jamaica praises the effort of the Jerk Festival for keeping the culture alive. Photo by: David I. Muir
But, it’s not just about food. The festival has grown into a holistic experience bringing Caribbean tastes, entertainment, and the arts together to create an unforgettable cultural adventure.
Some of the biggest names in the music business have entertained the throngs at the Jamaican Jerk Festival; this year will be no different. Caribbean cultural traditions are also celebrated at the Jamaica National Cultural stages that dot the part. Of course cricket, football(soccer) and netball fans can get their game faces on and root for their favorite teams at the lively matches planned; and try nuh get a six for a nine at the always entertaining domino tournament. The young ones are never left out either as they can look for a bigger and more rollicking Kids Zone this year.
With thousands more expected this year, festival organizers are well prepared to handle the mas of jerk food lovers.
L-R: Billy T, June Minto, Marlon Hill, Richard Lue, Sydney Roberts, Consul General Sandra Grant Griffiths, Abdul Muhsin, Marjorie Straw, Bridget Edwards, and
Eddy EdwardsPhoto by: David I. Muir
“The reconfigured Board and operational unit means we have a cohesive team that will ensure the integrity and success of the festival as we expand our operations in order to offer more”, says Sydney Roberts, Jamaica Jerk Festival USA Inc. Vice Chair and long time cultural promoter.
With Marjorie Straw at the helm as President, noted marketer Eddy Edwards leading the Board as Chairman, and other integral board officers, Jamaican Jerk Festival USA Inc. is taking jerk way beyond tasty delight.
Indeed, jerk and Caribbean culture enthusiasts can expect more food booths, well lit grounds, wider and longer aisles, top class entertainment, and lots of fun this November 8th. And with ticket prices held at last year’s level, $10 per sold and $20 the day of the event, it’s affordable for all.
The gates will open at 10am and the fund and gastronomic experiences continue until 10pm. So come early and stay late with the entire family for a boonoonoonoos Caribbean experience!
