OCHO RIOS, St Ann — Dancing to the beat of a live mento band, sampling traditional Jamaican snacks and participating in a hotly contested dance-off were some of the memorable moments for patrons at Mystic Mountain as the popular attraction in this resort town marked its 17th anniversary on Sunday.

Among the patrons was Toni-Ann Daley, who was celebrating her birthday. It was her first time at the adventure park.

“I feel extraordinary that it is my birthday and I got a special gift from Mystic Mountain,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

The Westmoreland resident got the ‘Brawta’ package that gave her and a guest access to the park and its many amenities.

“I’ve always heard persons talking about the great experience they have here, so I just came up with the idea to spend my special day here because I also love adventures. I’m so happy that I actually came,” said Daley.

Albert Borron, who was visiting from Florida, won the Mystic dance-off challenge between locals and foreigners.

“I think I did well and I’m really enjoying my time here. It is my first time and it has been a good experience. I will definitely be back,” he said.

According to General Manager Dewald Van der Walt, Mystic Mountain’s 17th anniversary celebration was a good opportunity to express gratitude to Jamaicans and visitors who continue to pour into the attraction.

The main event, organised and executed in fine style, saw guests walking away with special prizes and an unlimited supply of authentic Jamaican treats such as gizzadas, jelly coconuts, and sugarcane.

“This is an amazing milestone for Mystic Mountain. It was built and conceived at the right time to be successful and it relies on huge support from Jamaicans, which is really important to our brand. This is our opportunity to say thank you to Jamaicans for supporting us because without them Mystic Mountain would not exist,” said Van der Walt.

He said Mystic Mountain has been strategic in its pricing to ensure locals are not left out of the fun.

“It has been a deliberate strategy from a pricing perspective that it is affordable to Jamaicans. Mystic Mountain is the number one tourist attraction serving Jamaicans, they are a very large part of our clientèle,” said Van der Walt.

He said the aim is to increase the attraction’s offerings and experiences over time.

“We have done the groundwork to introduce new activities with the beautiful surroundings here and we want to introduce technology to improve guest experience and make sure we focus on staff training and development,” said Van der Walt.

The South African, who has been general manager since 2023, is proud of how much Mystic Mountain has grown during that time — and how his colleagues have helped him grow into his role.

“Being at Mystic Mountain teaches me to appreciate team members more. I’m so far from home without a support system and it’s amazing how my team members here are supportive; we all work together towards the same goal,” he said.

In operation since 2008, the attraction provides an eco-friendly rainforest park for international and local guests. It is known for its lush, tropical rainforests and panoramic view of Ocho Rios.

“I love how calm and relaxing the place is, but what I like the most is the plants and the flowers. I wish I could take all of them home with me,” Hyacinth Hurlingtton told the Observer as she admired the scenery.

Toni-Ann Daley and her fiancée Trevoy Cole, moments before heading onto the zipline at Mystic Mountain. The couple was celebrating Daley’s birthday with Sunday’s visit to the popular tourist attraction.

Albert Borron (right), a visitor from Florida, competes in a dance-off at Mystic Mountain on Sunday. He won the contest, part of a full day of activities staged to mark the popular attraction’s 17th anniversary.

Mystic Mountain guests being served cold jelly coconuts and other Jamaican treats.