Funfest has always been a marketer’s dream. The large turnout of patrons and the engagement with children and the young-at-heart has proven big dividends to corporate sponsors.

The New Year’s Day edition, which took place at Hope Gardens in St Andrew, was another winner for promoters Fam Fun Entertainment.

“We offer patrons something of value, lots of entertainment and lots of rides for the kids. Pretty much, this event is a lot of fun for the entire family,” coordinator Gyete Ghartey told the Jamaica Observer.

With each staging, the organisers increase the number of rides to accommodate the flock of children who journey from near and far.

Marjorie Sewell and her three children were sheltering from the afternoon heat under the tent of a food vendor.

“The children are the reason why I am here. They wanted to come so I brought them here,” said Sewell.

She said the children enjoyed themselves and that they were looking forward to the next staging.

Now in its 11th year, Funfest is held twice annually.

“Since we started in 2012, the event has grown from strength to strength. We try to give people value and we go beyond. It’s because of the sponsors why we are able to clear some of the bills for the rides. We have a lot of sponsors here engaging the crowd with giveaways and sampling,” said Ghartey.

Asked whether the event has had crowd control issues, Ghartey said: “We do have hiccups from time to time, but with each staging, we add more to contain persons in different zones. We also have more persons on the ground to help contain persons.”

He spoke about the entertainment on the main stage.

“We engage families to go on the stage to participate in activities such as dancing contests and bun-eating competitions. We don’t have a main performer per say, so it’s the families that keep the event going,” said Ghartey.

On the main stage, patrons were treated to performances by 2022 Digicel Rising Stars winner Mozein Sutherland, gospel act Oshane McHugh, singer Teshae Star, Apache Kid and Sarge, contortionist Bones, the children band Prodigies, gospel minister Andre Melody, and Oshane Givans.

CB Foods, Bad Dawg, Nestle, Nupak, Honey Bun, and Excelsior are some of the corporate brands that participated at Funfest.