The City of Lauderdale Lakes, The Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (GCACC), and The Greater Caribbean American Cultural Coalition are pleased to announce their 13th Annual Caribbean Cultural Celebration — “UNIFEST 2007.”
With the theme, “Islands in the Sun,” the 13th Annual UNIFEST will take place Sunday, June 3rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Vincent Torres Memorial Park, 4331 NW 36th Street in Lauderdale Lakes. The outdoor festival will feature international and local Soca, Calypso, Reggae, Haitian and R&B performers, cultural dancers, a battle of the marching high school bands with the visiting Portmore marching band out of Jamaica, domino tournament, netball rally, parade of carnival costumes, Mocko Jumbie stilt walkers, cultural displays, health fair, job fair and hot cuisine from the various Islands of the Caribbean.
A press conference sponsored by Bank of America will be held Wednesday, May 23rd 4:00 p.m. at the Lauderdale Lakes Municipal Complex, located at 4300 NW 36th Street, Lauderdale Lakes. Media are encouraged to attend.
The press conference will preview highlights from the upcoming UNIFEST 2007, including live entertainment from the Jamaica Folk Revue, Mocko Jumbies stilt walkers from the Virgin Islands, appearances by participating South Florida-based artists, a display of vibrant carnival costumes and a parade of flags. Lauderdale Lakes elected officials, Sponsors, Chamber representatives, CARICOM Consulate Generals and community leaders are scheduled to be in attendance for interviews and photo opportunities. Refreshments will be served.
“The Chamber is pleased to bring “Islands in the Sun” Caribbean event to the City of Lauderdale Lakes, the heart of Broward County,” said Andrew Azebeokhai, chair of this year’s UNIFEST committee. “Over the years Unifest has captured and showcased the wonders of the Caribbean”. “Having this event in June is of even greater significance because June is celebrated as Caribbean-American Heritage Month says Commissioner Hazelle Rogers of the City of Lauderdale Lakes”. Unifest is the official kick-off to this celebration and includes an essay contest for students in 11 and 12 grades. Prize and recognition will be presented at the event. Last year we had a huge turnout, and we anticipate an even larger turnout this year because of the fabulous mix of entertainment we have planned.”
The entertainment line up for UNIFEST 2007 is scheduled to include artists such as: Tony Rebel (Cultural Reggae Icon-Jamaica-co-sponsored by Bank of America); Bunji Garlin (Soca –Trinidad); Ken Boothe (Vintage Reggae –Jamaica); Slice International (Soca/Calypso band); Everton Blender (Cultural Reggae-Jamaica); Dadou Pasquet (Kompa music –Haiti); Omar Reid (2006 Festival Song winner –Jamaica) and Sasha Dias & the Charms (R&B). Admission is $5.00 per person before 6 pm and $10.00 after 6 pm. Children 12 years and under free. Sponsors include : Comcast, Waste Management, WAVS Radio, Air Jamaica, United Homes, Florida Medical Center, Vigo Money Transfer, Jamaica National, Laparkan Shipping, Winn Dixie, FPL, State Farm Insurance, Florida Career College, Carl’s Seafood, Lauderdale Market Place, Bank United, City of Lauderhill, Corn Properties, Caribbean National Weekly, McKinley Financial and Grace Foods.
For more information about UNIFEST 2007 or for sponsorship or vendor opportunities, call (954) 730-8885 or visit the website at www.gcacc.com.
