6th Annual Jamaican Jerk Festival

This year’s Jamaican Jerk Festival was held on Sunday, Sept. 23rd at Markham Park in Sunrise, FL. It featured activities and attractions for the entire family.

The main attraction was the Food Court, which featured a wonderful variety of jerk foods from an array of vendors. Options included jerk chicken, pork, lobster, fried fish, even jerk ice cream! The versatility of this wonderful seasoning is endless.

                   

One of the Caribbean’s favorite pastimes, cricket, was also on display. Jamaica vs. Barbados 20/20 teams, lead by former West Indian cricket stars, engaged in competition organized by the South Florida Cricket Alliance.

         

Air Jamaica, one of the event’s sponsors, brought its champion netball team to compete against the all-star Florida team. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to stay long enough to hear the results.

The Jerk Cook-off was also very popular. It featured top chefs creating innovatve jerk recipes; competing for cash and bragging rights, not to mention a chance to win the coveted Gold Dutch Pot trophy.

Celebrity judges included local television anchor Dwight Lauderdale, Food Network’s Throw Down winner Nigel Spence, and the Gleanor’s Barbara Ellington.

Jamaicans are not only talented at preparing wonderful food, they’re also very talented at presenting folk and oral performances. There was poetry presentations, familiar folk songs, book readings, and live music. The most impressive performance for me was that of Ms. Nadje Leslie, a world champion violinist. She performed classic Jamaican tunes with a great new twist.

                   

The Main Stage featured the red hot sounds of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, an absolute legend and ambassodor of Jamaican for over 40 years. Other performers included soca singer Allison Hinds, Jazz & Reggae guitarist Eugene Grey, up and coming artistes and more.

There were rides and games for the kids, local radio stations providing the latest dance music as well as classic hits, and I certainly can’t forget about the Domino competition in the Island Bar. And when it comes to Jamaicans, dominoes is always hot!

             

Looking forward to next year’s Festival. Until then, here are some more pictures from the event.