New, exciting features to celebrate 10th anniversary

Organizers of the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival are pulling out all the stops to ensure that patrons get 10 times the spice and 10 times the enjoyment at the 10th annual event scheduled for Sunday, November 13 at Markham Park in Sunrise.

According to Richard Lue, Director of Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc., "The people who come every year know that we improve each time; and for the 10th anniversary we want to show patrons that we appreciate their loyalty and support by improving their level of comfort and offering more culturally impactful visuals."

Markham Park will be transformed into the Mecca of Jamaican culture and organizers are introducing entirely new features and improving others to ensure that this milestone is celebrated in fine style.

VIPs will experience superb comfort and value for money – from the exclusive entrance into the park and private parking area inside the venue to plush seating, waiter service and unlimited tapas-style jerk fare and open bar. The VVIP section within the VIP area will allow groups of up to 10 to enjoy the VIP vibe in a more lavish setting.

The Grace Village will be abuzz with exciting activities. Grace Food's own Chef Mazie Miller will dazzle with culinary brilliance, as she whips up mouth-watering jerk foods for patrons to sample. Patrons will be able to display their vocal talents in the Jerk Idol karaoke competition and win a prize. With Grace, you can expect delicious foods, prizes and lots of surprises.

This year, the famous Publix Jerk Cook-Off area will be converted into an Afro-Taino village to showcase Jamaica's indigenous peoples, who created jerk cooking. Patrons will be in a more authentic space watching competitors vie for the coveted Dutch Pot Trophy, as they prepare their tasty jerk dishes for the judges.

The food court setting will be upgraded with more seating and umbrellas in the main food area, so patrons can keep cool as they enjoy the hot and spicy jerk offerings. The famous Boston Jerk has been redesigned to ease congestion and serve patrons more efficiently.

One new feature that patrons will definitely enjoy is the Digicel Rising Stars competition. Auditions are being held at Marcia's Café on Saturday, October 22, with semi-finals at Ginger Bay Café in Hollywood on Wednesday, October 26. The finalists will perform on the Digicel Stage and the winner will receive $1000 and the opportunity to perform on the Main Stage, which will feature singing sensation Sanchez, legends such as Pluto and Ken Boothe along with the iconic Byron Lee's Dragonnaires. Miami-based Spam Allstars will add their mix.

Following the talent competition, the area by the Digicel Stage will be transformed into a typical Jamaican street party featuring top deejays playing the latest hits.

The Western Union Cultural stage will give patrons a taste of the unique cultures that come together to form this melting pot called Jamaica. Under the theme "Out of Many One People," it will showcase Jamaica's ethnic mix through poetry, song and dance. Popular Jamaican actor/comedian, Chris "Johnny" Daley will add his comedic flavor.

The Moneygram Sports area will feature Jamaica High School Alumni All-Manning and All-DaCosta soccer and netball competitions. Wear your high school colors and support your alumni team as these fierce competitors duke it out on the turf.

Kiting is back this year and the awe-inspiring 30-foot kite from the Jamaica International Kiting Festival will be another attraction.

And who could forget the kids? The Kidz Zone will feature its usual activities like the bounce house, rock climbing wall and face painting. But, kids will also get a free puppet and magic show.

The 10th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is presented by Publix and Digicel, with additional support from Western Union, The Jamaica Tourist Board, WAVS Radio, Hot 105, TeleAmerica, Moneygram, CraftMaster Custom Cabinets, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly and VitaMalt. The event is produced by Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc., in association with Jamaica Awareness, Inc.

For more information please contact Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc., at 786-361-1103, email info@jerkfestival.com or log on to www.jerkfestival.com