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 8 when Markham Park opens its gates, patrons 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.
Derryck Record (Right) General Manager of Grace Foods International, shakes hands with Eddy Edwards, chairman of Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc at the announcement of their title sponsorship of the Jamaican Jerk Festival in South Florida.
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 Bryan, Regional Business Manager for Grace Kennedy USA, Inc.
“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 positionedat strategic locations around the park. Festival patrons can get their taste buds geared up to sample brand new dishes that the company will unveil at the festival.
Also on board again this year are Publix and Air Jamaica as presenting sponsors. 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 $1,500.
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 two Cultural Stages that dot the park. Of course cricket, football, 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-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 mass of jerk food lovers.
“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, Jamaican 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 a tasty delight.
Indeed, jerk and Caribbean culture enthusiasts can expect more food stalls, well lit grounds, wider and longer aisles, top class entertainment, and lots of fun this November 8. And with ticket prices held at last year’s level — just $10 advance or $20 the day of the event — it’s affordable for all.
Gates open at 10:00 AM and the fun and gastronomic experiences continue until 10:00 PM. So come early, stay late and bring the entire family for a boonoonoonoos Caribbean experience!
