Western Bureau: In an effort to raise funds for the 4-H clubs across St James, the Parish Advisory Council (PAC) will be staging the inaugural “Nyammins and Jammins” Food Festival at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay this Heroes Day.

According to co-ordinator for the event, Marline Stephenson-Dalley, the objective is to raise an estimated $1 millions.

“We would like to make at least a million dollars. The purpose is for the operational expenses of the 4H clubs. The government’s subvention is never enough to take care of 4H’s work. And so the various clubs across the island are in dire need of funds,” Stephenson-Dalley told the Observer.

She added that the “Nyammins and Jammins” experience would be well worth the $100 cost to adults and the $50 cost to children.

“There is going to be all kinds of excitement, a little bit of everything for everybody. We want to make it a coming together of different music forms…,” she said.

“And then there is the food aspect where we are encouraging all our booth holders to showcase our indigenous foods and the little delicacies we are accustomed to. On top of that we plan to have a lot of activities for the young and the young at heart.”

The function, which will run from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, will cost an estimated $1.5 million to stage, but Stephenson-Dalley said a significant portion of that sum had been garnered via sponsorship.

“When you look at it, a lot of it is not real cost (but sponsorship). And if we can come out with a million dollars in the kitty after, we would feel satisfied that we have made a genuine effort to having some funds to give the various clubs in the parish,” she said.

The event will feature the backing band, Fabulous 5 Incorporated and gospel performances from Sister Skully, Praise Choir and Claudene Stewart. It will also feature traditional performances from the JCDC’s gold medal winners.

The entertainment package will also include miniature golf, riding demonstrations, the set up of the Hope Petting Zoo and a myriad of games like tambola, coin on the plate and ball and tyre.

The work of various 4H clubs from St James and Portland will also be on display and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), the St James HIV/STD Control Programme and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) will set up information and display booths.

Meanwhile, Stephenson-Dalley said plans were afoot to make “Nyammins and Jammins” an annual event, but she said the PAC would await the outcome of this year’s event.

“It has been looked at as making it an annual event and also for expanding it, not only to the rest of Jamaica, but to the region… but this is the baby stage, the teething stage, so next year we intend to build on what happens (this year),” she said.