Ackee festival returns

Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

The Linstead Ackee Festival on December 27, was very well attended.

The festival was a true reflection of the national fruit. As the gentle breeze whiffed across the field at the Dinthill Technical High School, the aroma from the various dishes tickled the nostrils.

Dishes included: ackee patties, fritters, seasoned ackee rice, ackee and salt fish, ackee and mackerel in coconut juice, ackee and corned pork. It was a day when ackee should have been king, but played second fiddle to jerked chicken.

While ackee was not in abundance, persons still enjoyed the occasion. "Is the first time that the festival has so few ackee products. It is really disappointing for persons like me who travelled from St Ann," Michelle McDonald told The Gleaner.

Secretary of the Development Area Committee Ruby Tenn said the change of date has affected the festival's primary product.

"We have always held the festival on Heroes Day, so with a less-than- desirable amount at this time of year, we will have to return to the regular date next year," Tenn said.

"There are two obvious differences this time. It's the first time without rain and the first time with very little ackee," said Marvette Brown. Spirits were high and persons are anxiously awaiting next year's staging of the event.