Largest Caribbean food festival in the U.S. takes center stage in South Florida – Nov. 14th

Jamaica’s Cuisine Takes The Spotlight At The Ninth Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival In South Florida

SUNRISE – Jamaica’s renowned cuisine will take center stage at the Ninth Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival on Sunday, November 14 at Markham Park in Sunrise, Florida from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. The event, dubbed the largest Caribbean food festival in the U.S., will feature a variety of Jamaican jerk-style culinary offerings, cooking demonstrations, performers, arts and crafts vendors and more.

“We’re always excited to share the island’s vibrant culture and allow South Floridians to savor Jamaica’s delectable cuisine,” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “With Restaurant Week, one of Jamaica’s premier culinary events, underway November 13-20, this is a great way to whet appetites and entice travelers to explore the destination, which is just over an hour away.”

The festival will also host the launch of the “I AM JAMAICA” worldwide video campaign, which aims to capture the energy, spirit and voice of Jamaicans and create a sense of global community. The initiative, designed by the Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board in collaboration with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and Jamaicans.com, gives Jamaicans at home and abroad an opportunity to record and upload a sixty-second video in response to the official “I AM JAMAICA” theme song, which can be viewed at www.sflcn.com/multimedia.php?id=JCoCxlUc664

The official song features several reggae artistes including Shaggy, Freddie McGregor, Marcia Griffiths, Courtney John, Anthony Cruz, Hopeton Lindo, Peter Gee and Sophia Brown. Prizes will be awarded to persons with the most creative and original entries.

Patrons at the event will be able to record their videos at the Jamaica Tourist Board’s booth, while all are invited to upload their digital creations from November 15 through December 15, 2010 directly to the I AM JAMAICA Facebook page www.facebook.com/iamjamaica2.

While visiting Jamaica’s booth at the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, attendees can also learn about planning a Jamaican getaway with the help of JTB Business Development Manager Christopher Wright and other partners including Couples Resorts, Dolphin Cove, Holiday Inn, Sunset Resorts, SuperClubs and Unique Vacations.