The seventh staging of South Florida’s popular Jamaican Jerk Festival is scheduled for Sunday, November 9th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Markham Park, in the city of Sunrise. As the festival approaches, there is quite an electrifying ‘buzz’ rippling through the community, as a result of last year’s tremendous success.

The Jamaican Jerk Festival, presented by Air Jamaica, has rapidly become one of South Florida’s premier Caribbean family events. The festival, produced by Riddims Marketing and Jamaica Awareness, Inc., has a broad general market appeal as the popularity of ‘Jerk’ crosses all cultural boundaries in Florida’s dynamic, multi-ethnic population.  The Festival is a celebration of authentic Jamaican Jerk tradition in its various forms, and includes Jerk Cook-Off, Cultural Displays, Live Entertainment, Domino, Cricket & Netball Competitions and a Children’s Fun Zone.

The flavor of the Jamaican Jerk Festival is a mix of old-time fair, garden party and contemporary concert. There are a large number of vendors selling a variety of Jerk foods in their many forms; everyone has their own secret ingredients. Pork and chicken are the chief Jerk offerings, and are the favourite of many, but Jerk foods range from the “different” such as Jerk Fish, Jerk Shrimp and Jerk Yam, to the downright innovative and unusual, such as Jerk Ice Cream.

In the highly contested Jerk Cook-off Competition, individuals will square off vying for cash prizes, the coveted Dutch Pot Trophy and bragging rights. It is serious competition.

Two cultural stages will feature traditional folk songs, poetry, limbo dancing, fire eating and other cultural art forms. 

A number of activities are scheduled to take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. keeping everyone engaged and excited before the main stage entertainment begins.  The featured act this year is Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. Other top entertainers will be signed shortly to add to the bill.  Jerry D, popular Jamaican radio personality, will be on hand to engage the crowd in various on-the-spot contests.

Thousands are expected to attend the seventh staging of the Jamaican Jerk Festival, at Markham Park, in Sunrise, to indulge their passion for a taste of true Jerk that inflames the nostril and titillates the taste buds.

• directions

DE REAL JERK
Feast on a variety of Jerk Foods, from the popular Jerk pork and chicken to gourmet Jerk lobster and the unusual and innovative Jerk Ice Cream offered by vendors. Hot enough for you? Then cool down with a refreshing Ting, Grace Tropical Rhythms or an ice-cold Red Stripe Beer or Guinness stout. Roam around and enjoy the many attractions, enter contests and win prizes. Don't miss this year's Jamaican Jerk Festival at Markham Park in Sunrise.

JERK COOK-OFF & DEMONSTRATIONS
A main feature of the festival, the Jerk Cook-Off is serious competition as individuals compete for cash, bragging rights and the coveted Dutch Pot Trophy. A distinguished panel of judges selects the winner. Other activities include fine cuisine Jerk demonstrations by renowned chefs as well as displays of indigenous island fruits and vegetables.

WINE PAVILION
Relax and explore the endless possibilities of Jerk foods with wines from all over the world as Purple Reign, Inc. demonstrates wine pairing in fine style. Jerk with a Merlot? Mmmm. 

MORTGAGEGRANTS.COM STAGE 1 to 5 PM
Traditional folk and oral performances featuring – Joan Andrea Hutchinson, Ity & Fancy Cat, Malachai Smith, Nadje.

JAMAICA AWARENESS STAGE – 1 to 5 pm
Cultural presentations and book reading featuring – Jamaica Folk Revue, Marva McLean, Blue Glades Mento Band, Jeanne Powell

MAIN STAGE – 4 to 10 pm
As the sun goes down we turn up the heat with the Jammin sounds of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, soca sensation Alison Hinds, Jazz & Reggae by guitarist Eugene Grey, Crossovah and more.

CRICKET & NETBALL MATCHES 10am to 1 pm
Former West Indian cricket stars lead teams in a 20/20 competition organized by South Florida Cricket Alliance. Howzat! Somebody a go get bowled fi ducks!   Air Jamaica’s champion netball team takes on an all-star Florida team in a competitive netball game.  Swish,,, nothing but net.

• PRESS RELEASE - EXICITING CHANGES AND NEW FEATURES PROMISED FOR 2007 JERK FESTIVAL
  • Document
• ARTICLE - CRICKET TO SCORE AT JERK FESTIVAL
  • Web Link
• PRESS RELEASE - MAJOR PARKING OPERATOR SPONSORS JERK FESTIVAL
  • Document
  • Jpeg Photo