THE MONTHLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 6 - NOVEMBER 5, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 2 BY AUBREY Campbell CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: HOURS AFTER the last act walked off the stage at the park on Char Meck Lane, uptown Charlotte, Vinroy Reid said he was already looking forward to the seventh staging of the Charlotte (Caribbean) International Jerk festival & Family Fun Day next year. Reid, a construction engineer, philanthropist and aspiring politician, said that he was encouraged by the way in which the events of the sixth staging of the festival unfolded on Saturday, September 24. “All things considered, I’m satisfied with the overall outcome, when you factor in the global health challenges and the weather. The weather was nice, and you could see the patrons enjoying themselves.” It was the second time that the festival was being staged at the Char Meck Lane venue, which, Reid said, he is hoping to make the permanent home of the festival after some improvements. Showcasing a mix of corporate and community support, folk young and old could be seen waiting patiently in line for a sampling of the island-style cuisine on offer. Off to one side, the kids were quite happy to ‘bounce about’, while the band on the stand, Pure Fire, played a lively set of ‘roots and culture’ tunes, much to the enjoyment of the audience. Segments of the festival were presented in association with Mama’s Caribbean Restaurant and Youth Hope International Foundation, with live broadcast of portions of the event on the local radio station with host Olympia D. Jamaican culture, cuisine sizzle at Charlotte festival Festival goers enjoying the food, fun and entertainment at the Charlotte International Jerk Festival on September 24. PHOTOS BY AUBREY CAMPBELL Patrons attending the Charlotte Caribbean Jerkfest & Family Fun Day wait in line for a sampling of goodies, including jerk chicken with rice and peas fromMama’s Caribbean Restaurant, host of the event.
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