Lake Shore Park in Miramar came alive with the sounds of Mento, Ska, Reggae, Dancehall and vibrant colors as many JN customers pried themselves from the World Cup Football games, to partake in JN’s 2^nd Annual Customer Appreciation Family Fun Day on Father’s Day.

Families came to enjoy the Sunday afternoon games, music and frolicking. Host, radio personality Roy “Tenny” Miller, engaged the audience in trivia questions to which prizes were given. Of course, it was all fun and excitement once the children and adults entered the lime and spoon race, three-legged race, hoola hoop competition and the dance competitions.

The hoola hoop competitions drew much audience attention since it was a tight competition with the skills on display. Two competitors took it down to the wire with the audience guessing who would emerge victorious. All eyes were on the two ladies, one young and one older, but this time youth won out as she hoola hooped her way into the top spot.

Getting the kids involved can sometimes be challenging and this was evident in the dance competition for the tots. With all eyes on them, they stood, scared, afraid to move despite the coaxing from parents and well-wishers. It was not until Sean Paul’s ‘Temperature’ began that they actually moved. Shortly after they were joined by the older children who entertained the audience with the latest dances from out of Jamaica – including the famous ‘Willy Bounce.’  They were all awarded for effort.

The highlight of the dance competition had to be the ‘older folks’ dropping legs to the old hits of Mento, Ska and Rocksteady and a touch of disco. Songs like “Wash Wash,” “Ocean’s 11,” “Jamaican Ska,” “Bodderation” and “My Boy Lollipop” had couples doing some serious moves capturing the attention of the young people in the audience who at times rocked to the beats. Of course the crowd could not choose a winner without having them dance to the legendary “Carolina.”

JN executives used the opportunity to educate attendees about the different functions of Jamaica National overseas, such as Mortgage Company and the Money Transfer. Brochures were available as were JN employees to give advice and answer questions. Executive Leesa Kow made the trip from Jamaica to address the audience at the event.

Following the competitions the Millennium Band took to the stage started the stage show. The band lit up the stage with some of their originals and hits like, “Johnny you too bad.”

Guests dined of curried goat, jerked chicken, stewed chicken and an assortment of drinks and children frolicked on the grounds in bounce houses.

Sonia Morgan