The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival presented in association with Publix has moved to Miramar Regional Park, and happens Sunday, November 10th this year.
“After 14 years at Markham Park, we have decided to take the festival to the City of Miramar,” said Eddy Edwards, an organizer of the event. “We are always looking to improve on the patron experience and enhance the quality of the event and this new venue offers an opportunity to create a new, refreshed and superior experience as well as strengthen the financial viability of the festival, while enhancing quality.”
Derrick Reckord, President and CEO of GraceKennedy Foods, USA shared, “This is really an excellent venue. [Title sponsor] Grace is committed to supporting the Jerk Festival and we look forward to a very successful staging in November.”
This family-friendly event attracts local, regional, national and international patrons. Founded in 2001, the Jamaican Jerk Festival was first staged at C. B. Smith Park until it outgrew the space and was relocated to Markham Park in 2005. In its new location, the canopy of the Amphitheater provides protection from the elements. An expanded area will include familiar features such as the Publix Culinary Pavilion, the Grace Village as well as the Kidz Zone. Food and novelty vendors will be strategically placed, to create better opportunities for sales.
Festival organizers will honor the memory of Todd Tongen, three-time winner of the Quick-Fire Celebrity Chef contest, by permanently naming the trophy the Todd Tongen Celebrity Quick-Fire trophy.
Main stage entertainment will be a mix of cultural and popular performances featuring top DJs as well as comedians and MCs interacting with the audience to create a fun festival vibe. The Jerk Festival audience appreciates the culture, music, cuisine, and the Caribbean energy of this amazing event. The goal of the organizers is to improve quality as they expand the festival into a multi-day event over the next few years.
The 18th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is presented by Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc. in association with Partners for Youth Foundation. Sponsors are Grace Foods, Publix Supermarkets, Guinness, The Jamaica Tourist Board, Greater Ft. Lauderdale Visitors & Conventions Bureau, Countyline Chiropractic Centers, the National Weekly, WAVS 1170, WZOP and HOT105.
