The producers of the highly successful and popular Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in Florida have partnered with VP Records and Grace Kennedy USA, Inc. to stage the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival – New York presented by Digicel. The event is set to take place on Sunday July 24 at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, where thousands are expected to flock to the park for a taste of jerk cuisine, cultural offerings and a variety of activities making for an enjoyable fun-filled family day. 

The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is a celebration of authentic Jamaican Jerk in its various forms, and includes a variety of vendors offering an array of tasty jerk foods. A hotly contested Jerk Cook-Off offers professionals, aspiring chefs and casual cooks an opportunity to win $500 as well as bragging rights and the Dutch Pot Trophy. 

A Cultural Stage will showcase a number of artistic and literary performances celebrating Jamaica’s folk traditions and will feature the Brawta Folk Singers, Something Positive and Mario Evon among others.  Activities on the cultural stage will take place from 1:00 pm until the main stage gets going late afternoon.  Already booked for the main stage is veteran reggae entertainer Freddie McGregor, Agent Sasco (Assasin) and the comedic duo of Ity & Fancy Cat.  

A Kidz Fun Zone will feature several rides, bounce house and other activities to keep the young ones busy. A video arcade will also be on hand to appeal to teens and a special children’s menu will be available offering jerk burgers, hot dogs as well as treats such as ice cream, cotton candy and other goodies. 

Domino enthusiasts will square-off for enticing cash prizes and a chance to “drop a six love” and walk away Jerk Domino Champion of New York.  This contest will pit rival teams against each other and promises to be an exciting competition. 

Advance tickets are $20 and available online and at selected outlets including VP Retail store. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free. Day of event tickets will be $30. Gates open at 12:00 PM and the fun and gastronomic experiences continue until 8:00 PM. So come early and bring the entire family for a boonoonoonoos Caribbean experience! 

The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is presented by Digicel and sponsored by VP Records, Western Union, Air Jamaica, Irie Jam Media, WBLS, WLIB, Caribbean Life and Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc.