TWENTY pan chicken vendors representing the parishes of St Ann, Portland, St Mary, and St Thomas will compete at PAN 2018 Regional 1 at Folly Oval in Portland this Saturday.

The competitors representing the north east are:

St Thomas: Tricia Nicholas, Cordolyn McLaughlin, Paula Drysdale, Anna Kay Lee and Delroy Graham

St Ann: Jerome Barrett, Jahmuki Barnes, Kerrian Coombs, Denzil Green, Andrew McNeil

St Mary: Kareen Johnson, Marilyn Blake, Kenroy James, Omar Walker, Ronique Brown

Portland: Keron Lewis, David Watson, Patricia Banton, Shernette Bernard, Samantha Daley

Last year St Ann’s Juney Raffington and Eric Beaver, St Mary’s Lance Fairweather and Kareen Johnson, Portland’s Carole Maxwell and Oneil Skeen, and St Thomas residents Tatrice Balliston and Kerisa Wright advanced to the grand final of PAN 2017. However, Beaver emerged as PAN 2018 Champion.

In an effort to highlight the economic impact of the numerous pan vendors across the island, CB Foods continues its annual initiative in search of the island’s top pan chicken man or woman.

Folly Oval brings the heat with 35 pan chicken vendors, including some from Kingston & St Andrew, St Catherine, and Trelawny.

Each will showcase their culinary skills with the hopes of advancing to the grand final.

“PAN returns to Portland for the third time and it’s symbolic, considering Portland is the home of jerk. We’re happy to be back and have lots in store for our patrons. They can expect amazing food and entertainment for the entire family,” explained Kemoi Burke, business development coordinator, CB Foods.

The PAN finalists will compete in a live, 60-minute cook-off. A winner and runner-up will be chosen to advance to the grand final from each parish. Each parish winner will receive $40,000 in cash in addition to numerous prizes from several partners, including National Baking Company, Miracle Tomato Ketchup, Nupak Aluminium Foil and Walkerswood, to name a few. The runner-up will also receive $20,000, among other prizes.

For the past three years, Miracle Ketchup has been a partner and participants will create their signature Miracle sauce for a chance to win cash and prizes.

All competitors are vetted and selected through the Social Development Commission.

In true PAN fashion, there will be something for everyone attending the event. Aside from the entertainment delights for the adults, the young at heart can eagerly anticipate the Monster Milk Kiddies Village, which has been a big hit since its inception.

Patrons will enjoy succulent and specially priced pan chicken at only $400 throughout the day, plus bar deals courtesy of PAN partners Wisynco (through its Wata, Tru Juice and Coca Cola brands) and Red Stripe.

Comedians Dufton “Duffy” Shepherd and the “Fluffy Diva”, Miss Kitty will guide the day’s proceedings, with onstage activities and giveaways courtesy of PAN partners.

As the evening winds down there will be entertainment onstage courtesy of gospel artiste Kevin Downswell and dancehall stars Elephant Man and Govana.

The event starts at 12 noon and runs until 8:00 pm. Admission remains free to the public.