Queens, NY – New York’s largest Caribbean food event, the Grace Jamaican Jerk festival was jam-packed with entertainment for everyone including New York’s Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane de Blasio who attended the event (July 19) at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens. Mayor de Blasio defended the Celebrity Quick-Fire Challenge title he won in 2013. He impressed the crowd with his culinary competency swaying the judges with his New York Jerk Chicken “Swagga” Sandwich.
“We are delighted that Mayor Bill de Blasio was able to attend this year’s Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival,” stated Eddy Edwards, CEO of Jamaican Jerk Festival USA Inc. “Mayor de Blasio is a huge fan of the annual Festival and we welcome his participation in the Celebrity Quick-Fire Challenge. We look forward to his continued support in the future.”
Among the other dignitaries attending the festival were The Hon. Una S.T. Clarke, the first Caribbean-born woman elected to the New York City’s legislature; Miss Universe Jamaica Kaci Fennell; Courtenay Rattray, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the U.S.; Scherie Murray, NY State Committee Woman District Leader among others.
This year’s festival showcased an exciting assortment of jerk delights served by some of New York’s top Caribbean restaurants and chefs, popular cooking competitions and demonstrations as well as informative and entertaining cultural presentations on the Western Union Cultural Stage.
The main stage featured exciting performances by the popular Fab 5 Band, Carlene Davis, Baby Cham, Romain Virgo and Major Hype.
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