9 THEREWAS a buzz of excitement and anticipation as the organisers of NewYork’s Grace Jamaica Jerk Festival launched this year’s festivities with media and fans at a promotional event, titled A Taste of Jerk. Festival coordinator Richard Lue shared plans for the event scheduled for July 31, at Roy Wilkins Park, Queens. In celebration of the festival’s 10th anniversary, Lue announced details of the event as well as new features, including a 10th anniversary merchandise and a unique QR Code. The QR Code takes visitors to www. VPReggae.com, where festival tickets, merchandise and products are available. Guests heard from Jamaica’s Consul General Alsion Roach, celebrity chef Angela Yee of Power 105 FM New York’s Breakfast Club, who said she was excited to be participating in the cook-off competition. There was a buzz of excitement from the audience as Lue revealed the names of performers such as Protoje, Lila Ike, Laa Lee, RomainVirgo and Christopher Martin. Offering a preview of what to expect at this year’s festival was the amazing Nigy Boy, who delivered an impressive performance, as well as Asase Yaa Cultural Group. Chefs and restaurants offered a sample of their signature jerk dishes that will be available at this year’s event for patrons to feast on. The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is New York’s signature Caribbean event, merging food, music, and entertainment. Every year, over 15,000 fun-loving guests immerse themselves in a Caribbean cultural experience. This year’s event coincides withmajor milestones: the festival’s 10th anniversary in New York, Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence and Grace Foods 100th anniversary. Organisers promise to make this year the best ever. “With so much to celebrate, including surviving a pandemic, we are hoping for a one of a kind event in the park,” Lue said. Tickets are on sale now at www.jerkfestivalny.com and at authorised retail outlets in the New York tri-state area. The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, NY, is produced by Jamaican Jerk Festival – NY, LLC, in association withVP Records. Grace Jamaica Jerk Festival NY launched with commemorative merchandise Patrons attending the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival. Patrons indulge in an array of sumptuous jerk cuisine at the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival. These two ladies enjoy the food at the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Another patron samples the delicious food at the Grace Jamaica Jerk Festival in New York. THE WEEKLY GLEANER | JULY 7 - AUGUST 6, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT
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