Friday, July 17, 2009

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Whether it's by boator plane . . . By Chakara Bennett ~ Guardian Summer Intern: If you're not in Rock Sound, Eleuthera next weekend, then you're going to be sorry, because it's going to be one of those events that you should not miss. So you have enough time to clear your calendar and ensure that you are at the 6th Annual Heritage and Cultural Fair at the Rock Sound homecoming site. On Saturday, July 11, one day after celebrating the country's 36th birthday, Rock Sound, Eleuthera will come alive with some of the best in native festivities for you to participate in. For those that love to catch crabs, there will be a crab-catching event, as well as watermelon and pineapple eating contests for others to dive in to. Coconut barking will be new to the festivities, but there are people out there who love to do it, so the organizers of this event will give it to them. And if you think your hairstyle best depicts the independence celebrations, then you can register for that competition too. For those people who are legends in their own minds when it comes to mixing drinks, a mixology competition is also on the cards, sponsored by Bristol Wines and Cellars. And organizers are encouraging people to come up with their own concoctions in which they will have to use local rum. In addition, there will be many stalls selling locally made craft items like straw bags, folders, hats, shell jewelry and conch shell creations. There will also be a sailboat exhibition and an exclusive art exhibition by local artists like Kevin Cooper, Ronald Horton and Rudy Williams. This much anticipated festival which the people of Rock Sound are excited to put on for your enjoyment will ignite the island once more and show that there really are some things that only get better and better with time. The festival, which started out as a means to bring together a divided South Eleuthera is also responsible for providing the main funds in assisting the non-profit organization South Eleuthera Mission, to complete a major community service. The project — renovating an old community clinic building and turning it into a community center, is nearing completion and locals are excited to support the effort as best they can. "This is going to be absolutely spectacular," said Chandra Sands, an event coordinator. "We started this festival as a fundraiser and as a means to bring people together and so far it has been a phenomenal success." Martin Symmonette, 66, returns to South Eleuthera annually specifically to attend the festival. "I usually come home every year but since this festival started I've made special efforts to come home around this time. When I learned about the festival and the cause behind it, I was glad because I felt that it is helping everyone to make a step in the right direction. It's very profitable to the community and it's inspiring. I feel that people far and near — on the island — off the island should come home; If you don't live here, come to visit with us. There is always so much going on at the festival. People will really not have to worry about anything. There will be something for everyone." Vernita Bannister, 64, an annual festival participant says since its inception, the good food to be had always brings people back. "We tend to have a lot of food stalls that sells some really good," said the vendor who boasts that hers is the best, and that she offers crab and rice, conch and rice, the best in the west conchy conch fritters, tamarind sauce, conch snacks, tarts and other native desserts. "You won't find nothing better! We gonna make you fat and juicy!" But what's a real island festival without a Junkanoo rush-out? This year, as in previous years the rush-out will be extremely competitive as the three rushing groups, Rock Sound All-Stars, Cotton Bay Junkanoo Group and the Potcakes will compete for a prize based. Their respective leaders promise a good time and clean fun during the parade. "We'll be bringing big things," says Walton 'Showboat" Cooper, co-leader of the All-stars. "We intend to be so spectacular in showing off our very Bahamian theme that you'll see fish jumping out of the water trying to see us. Everyone in our way will have to move aside because we coming to win!" Kirkwood "Marlin" Roker, leader of the Potcakes, has a different opinion about what he thinks the outcome will be. "Our theme this is 'My Beautiful Bahamaland' and we want to use a lot of elements of the sun, the flag, flowers and bees. We coming to do what we need to [and] people need to come out and watch and see how us take care of business. We ready, so brace yourselves because we comin'." Cotton Bay Junkanoo Group co-leader Arlington Saunders says they will celebrate the nation with their theme, and at the same time, educate and remind people about the struggle and hard times that were faced by people to get to where we are as the country celebrates 36 years of independence. "But all that aside, we are here to let the other groups know that we never scared and we ready for all that is to come!" So a big weekend is coming your way and you have enough time to clear your calendar and make your way to Eleuthera whether you are from there or just looking for a great time. You will have fun and be supporting a good cause. This is a festival you do not want to miss! 6th Annual Heritage and Cultural Fair at Rock Sound, Eleuthera Where: Homecoming site When: Saturday, July 11 Time: 12 noon - until HOW TO GET THERE Bahamasair Cost: $150 roundtrip Flight times: Daily from Nassau 7a.m. and 3 p.m. Southernair Cost: $150 Flight times: Daily from Nassau 7a.m. and 3 p.m. Or go by boat: Bohengy - $125 roundtrip WHERE TO STAY Quality Inn Cigatoo, Governor's Harbor — $120-150 per night Unique Village, Palmetto Point — $120 per night Rock Sound Club — $70 per night Cape Eleuthera Resort & Yacht Club — $260 per night Sammy's Place, Rock Sound — $70 for rooms or $100 for cottages per night. (Prices subject to change without notice) Friday, July 3, 2009