The sixth annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival will kick off Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, on Sunday, July 17.
The annual culinary and musical festival boasts of the best jerk dishes and musical performances by leading Caribbean artists. The daylong event starts at noon and will continue until 8 pm.
Organizers promise fun activities at the event, especially one just for children.
“We have a very extensive Kidz Zone — we want people to know there are lots of activities for kids to do,” said Eddy Edwards, CEO of Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc.
The festival will begin with a cookoff to be judged by Andrew Fowles, winner of Food Networks show “Chopped,” and Miss Jamaica World 2015, Sanneta Myrie. Judges will base the winner on who can create the best jerk-centric dishes.
Music will also be one of the biggest highlights of the fest as Soca star Rupee will headline the main stage and will perform with legendary Reggae band, Third World. Other performances include music from some of the most popular names in Dancehall like Gyptian, Dexta Daps, and Ikaya.
Aside from music and food, other cultural activities and crafts and collectives will be available for purchase from vendors. Organizers say there will be a variety of things to do at the festival for guests to enjoy.
“We will have a small stage that will focus on culture, poets, and book signing,” said Edwards. “People come for the food and stay for entertainment.”
Roy Wilkins Park is located on Merrick Blvd in St. Albans, Queens. Tickets can be purchased at www.JerkF
