By Gabrielle Prusak
It’s back and jerkier than ever.
The fourth annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival returns July 20 with a few new twists.
According to Richard Lue, director of business development for VP Records, one of the co-producers of the festival, the crowd was overwhelming last year at the entrance on Foch Boulevard because it was so small that a bigger entrance needed to be created.
“It’s more customer-friendly and there’s more shade,” said Lue.
The festival will be held in Roy Wilkins Park in Jamaica.
This event has been growing since it first started four years ago. According to Lue, the first festival had 5,000 patrons and the second had 9,000.
“With an event like this we always hope to grow,” said Lue.
They anticipate 20,000 people attending this year, especially since they have been able to create a larger space in the park.
The festival has drawn 10 more food vendors, which adds up to 40 in all. Each one is different in its own way, but all still have roots back to the Caribbean. They will also have 15 arts and crafts vendors.
There is going to be a larger kid zone for children 12 and under, who get in for free. There will be rides, face painting, rock climbing, games and more for kids to participate in.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the event starts at noon. From noon to 3 p.m. there will be traditional cultural performances such as poets and drummers.
“These [activities] link us to the Caribbean,” said Lue.
There will also be a fashion show from Riddim Driven clothing line, which is based on reggae.
During that time, there will also be the jerk cook-off cooking competition and cooking demonstration.
“Basically, Grace Foods brings in chefs from Jamaica for the celebrity cook off who can jerk the best,” said Lue.
Last year, then mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio was the celebrity cook-off winner and may be coming back to defend his title.
“He hasn’t made any promises, but we are hoping he’ll be able to make it,” said Lue.
There will also be a best vendor competition among the different food stands.
The main stage performers will start at 3 p.m. and feature Etana, a contemporary voice in reggae; Mr. Vegas, who will play dance music; and headliner Maxi Priest, who has been Grammy nominated and been on the Billboard charts.
“It’s going to be a wicked show,” said Lue.
Before the main stage acts go on, there will be a gospel segment and a comedy act from Chris Johnny Daley.
VP Records will also have a museum display celebrating 35 years in the music business. The display will “take you through the history of reggae music,” said Lue.
The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in New York originated from the Jamaican Jerk Festival in Florida, which has been going on for 14 years.
Tickets are sold online for $30 and can be bought on the day of the festival for $40. Children 12 and under are free. People are allowed to bring lounge chairs during the event because there will be no seating available.
“It’s open to everyone, even people who aren’t from the Caribbean who we call friends of the Caribbean,” said Lue. “It’s a great family-fun atmosphere.”
