Trelawny spirit shines through rain at annual Reunion Weekend in New York

Nyack, Rockland County, New York:
Despite heavy rain and gloomy conditions, the spirit of Trelawny remained unshaken as hundreds of Jamaicans gathered in New York over the Memorial Day weekend for the 47th annual Trelawny Reunion Weekend — a celebration rooted in heritage, fellowship, and community pride.

For more than four decades, Memorial Weekend in New York has been synonymous with the Trelawny Reunion, drawing former residents of the parish from across the United States, Canada, Jamaica, and the United Kingdom. The weekend’s activities culminate in the annual picnic at Rockland Lake State Park in Nyack, Rockland County. This year’s event, though affected by persistent rainfall, still reflected the strong bonds and resilience of Trelawnyians in the diaspora.

A range of activities was held throughout the weekend. On Saturday, the William Knibb Memorial High School Alumni hosted its annual barbecue at Jumieka Grand on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan, attracting past students and supporters. Later that evening, patrons turned out in elegant fashion for the “All White Trelawny Me Come from Party” at Orions in the Bronx, where music and camaraderie carried late into the night.

Sunday’s annual picnic remained the marquee attraction. Undeterred by inclement weather, patrons arrived equipped with umbrellas, raincoats, tarpaulins, and tents, determined to uphold a cherished tradition. Picnickers began streaming into Rockland Lake State Park as early as 7 a.m., and many remained until about 8 p.m., with organisers bringing the day’s activities to a close around 9 p.m.

Although attendance was smaller than in previous years — when the park typically accommodates between 6,000 and 8,000 patrons — the festive atmosphere endured. Families and friends shared meals, rekindled old friendships, and welcomed new faces.

The reunion has grown significantly from its humble beginnings 47 years ago, when a small group of families from Falmouth — including Horace Harrison, Wendell Stewart, Linval Brown, Richard Chambers, Eli Nish, Mr and Mrs D.K. Mullings, Peter HoShing, Danny Shirley, and John Brown — gathered in a backyard for a Memorial Sunday picnic. The event later moved to Rockland Lake State Park and has since become one of the largest parish reunion events in the Jamaican diaspora calendar in New York.

Even in the rain, the aromas of authentic Jamaican cuisine filled the air, from roasted Trelawny yellow yam and saltfish to jerk meats sizzling on makeshift grills. Laughter echoed throughout the park as generations of Trelawnyians celebrated their roots.

Longtime attendee Milton Rowe, originally from Falmouth, said the event remains special year after year.
“This never gets old. Each year when I step into the park, it feels like going back in time to see friends I grew up with,” he said.
“Our stories never end, and the good feeling stays with me until I return the next year.”

Former diaspora board member Patrick “Foody” Beckford, now based in New Jersey, said the event’s future remains strong.
“This event will never cease. Despite the weather, people and their families still showed up,” he said.

Beckford recalled that by 1991, the event’s growth led to a permanent space being allocated at the park. “That was the first sign we were expanding — from Friends of Falmouth to the entire parish,” he noted. He highlighted participation from communities such as Clark’s Town, Duncans, Sherwood, Salt Marsh, Wakefield, Jackson Town, Stewart Town, and South Trelawny, as well as attendees from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Jamaica.

However, Beckford expressed concern about the increasing commercialisation of the mini ‘bend-down’ market, noting that it detracts from the event’s original concept as a family gathering. He urged organisers to preserve its roots.

Maryland resident Baldwin Huie, originally from Clark’s Town, described the reunion as a highlight of his year.
“I can walk from one end of the park to another and be invited to share a meal at someone’s table at no cost. That is truly the spirit of Trelawny and Jamaica,” he said.

The reunion also serves as a platform for networking, fundraising, and strengthening ties between Trelawny and its diaspora community. Over the years, it has supported several development initiatives in the parish.

Among the distinguished guests were Falmouth Mayor Colin Gager and Martha Brae Division Councillor Roydell Hamilton, who commended the organisers for preserving Jamaican culture and strengthening diaspora bonds.

Activities continued on Memorial Day Monday with the William Knibb Memorial High School DCUP “Wear Your Favourite Jersey” barbecue at Wilson Woods Park in Mount Vernon. The weekend concluded with Tala B. Scarlet’s annual backyard gathering in Queens, which attracted hundreds of Falmouth natives and friends, with festivities continuing late into the night.

As patrons departed, many were already looking forward to next year’s reunion, with some pledging to return in greater numbers — underscoring the event’s enduring appeal.

The Trelawny Reunion Weekend remains a testament to the strong connection between Jamaicans in the diaspora and their home communities, proving once again that neither distance nor rain can dampen the pride and camaraderie of Trelawnyians.

Beckford also announced that his book, Children of Martha Brae, which chronicles the activities of the Trelawny diaspora in the United States and Canada, is expected to be published shortly.