Events
Annual Festival Brings A Taste Of The Caribbean To Central Jersey, June 25, 2011
Staff Writer
13 years ago

Somerset residents will once again get a taste of the tropics when the 2011 Central Jersey Caribbean Festival celebrates the music, people and culture of the West Indies on June 25.

Organized by the Hamilton Street Business & Community Corporation (HSBCC), the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey (JON-J) and the Somerset County Cultural Diversity Coalition, the event will be held from noon to 7 p.m. at 720 Hamilton St. in Franklin Township. 

“We timed this festival in June so it would coincide with Caribbean-American Heritage month,” said Efren Dato, HSBCC’s executive director. “While this event is obviously focused on Caribbean-Americans, New Jersey residents of all cultures have come out to support the festival.”  

According to the 2010 Census, approximately 149,000 people of Caribbean descent live in New Jersey. With numerous sponsors, including CME Associates and Lener, Myler & Co., area restaurants and community organizations, the festival offers a financial boost to the region’s small-businesses. In addition, the event is a venue for local artists to showcase and sell their arts and crafts.

Set against a backdrop of infectious Island music the festival will feature a range of cultural performances, popular Caribbean fare, such as beef patties, curried dishes and jerk meats. The day’s entertainment will include noted Caribbean artist Teddy Brown as well as local acts such as the Funktion Dance Complex, New Jersey Orators, Dynasty, Black Circle Symphony, Bruno Lee the Trumpet Man and Nina Waga Mojares.

“People who love Caribbean culture should come to this festival,” said Jacqueline Lewis-Barnett, president of JON-J and one of the organizers. “Last year more than 1,500 people came out to support the event. Each year, it gets bigger and better.”

Several government officials are expected to attend, including New Jersey Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, business executives and community leaders. 

“Our local businesses are really excited about the festival,” said Patrick Gianotto, the HSBCC’s president. “We have always embraced our Caribbean brothers and sisters in the business district.”