Eddy Edwards

The fifth staging of South Florida's popular Jamaican Jerk Festival is scheduled for Sunday, September 24 from noon to 9:00 p.m. at Markham Park, in the city of Sunrise.

The Jamaican Jerk Festival, presented by Air Jamaica, has rapidly become one of South Florida's premier Caribbean family events. It has a broad general market appeal as the popularity of 'Jerk' crosses all ethnic boundaries in Florida's dynamic, multi-ethnic population. The Festival is a celebration of authentic Jamaican Jerk in its various forms, and includes Jerk cook-off competitions, cultural displays, live entertainment, domino competitions and a children's fun zone.

The flavour of the Jamaican Jerk Festival is a mix of old-time fair, garden party and contemporary concert. There are a large number of vendors selling a variety of jerk foods. Pork and chicken are the chief offerings, and are the favourite of many, but the available ranges from jerk fish, shrimp and yam, to the downright innovative and unusual, jerk ice cream.

In the highly contested Jerk Cook-off Competition, individuals will square off vying for cash prizes, and the coveted Dutch Pot Trophy.

At the Western Union Cultural Heritage Village, there will be a presentation by the Queen's Drama Troupe celebrating the life and legacy of Jamaica's lone female heroine, Nanny of the Maroons. Other attractions include: the Jamaican folk revue, book readings and a display of indigenous fruits and spices.

New to the festival this year will be the art of food and wine pairing by Purple Reign Inc. Other activities include: a domino tournament, kids' fun zone plus Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Ernie Smith and Pluto and Company. Jerry D, one of Jamaica's popular radio personalities, will generate the vibes.

True family event

"We are really striving to make the Jamaican Jerk Festival a true family event," says Eddy Edwards of Riddims Marketing, co-promoters of the event with Jamaica Awareness, Inc.. "Our goal is to make it one of the top Caribbean festivals in South Florida, as we expose this unique Jamaican cuisine in a very authentic manner."

The event is produced by Ridims Marketing and Jamaica Awareness, Inc. and other sponsors include: Western Union, Grace Foods, Maroone Toyota, Ting, D&G Sodas, Delancyhill, P.A., Comcast Cable, Sun-Sentinel and WAVS Radio. For further information call: 305-891-1242.