WATCH: Black River Day kicks off in St Elizabeth
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Scores of people are now gathering for the annual Black River Day celebration here in the heritage rich town.
President of the St Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce Kadian Myers-Brown is optimistic that the number of patrons attending the event will increase when a stage show happens on Friday night.
“We know we have grown over the 15,000 figure in terms of the patrons who attend the festival. Things are looking bright. Our food court is in full swing [as well as] our business village. We have the EDGE105FM team on board, so the day is looking [good],” she said, while pointing to crowd favourite events scheduled for Friday afternoon.
“The newest exciting feature that we will be hosting this year is a celebrity cook-off. We will see some of our known business people in Black River. We know them for other roles. They will be showing what they can do in the kitchen and that should be exciting,” she added.
Among the patrons at Friday’s event was a man who identified himself only as Jahvel. He along with his wife Tanya and two daughters, Janae and Jahmya, were entertained by stilt walker Bion Cocks.
“… My mother normally brings the children every year. This year I took the time out and said I am going to roll out with them. Is a good vibes. I brought out the children to let them enjoy themselves,” Jahvel said.
“It has been a good time so far. We enjoyed ourselves and we will definitely be back again,” said Tanya.
Cocks said he hopes the turnout of patrons will increase into tonight.
“I’ve been doing this for a couple years well. We are always here every year making the place look nice. It is bright and sunny and the time is hot. The turnout was good last year. People are coming out to enjoy themselves with their families,” said Cocks.
Rohan Wright, a jerk vendor, is encouraging people to support Black River Day.
“I have been in the JAS Myers Park for many years. We are looking forward for the marching band, jonkonnu and the gospel artistes later in the night, so people should come out,” he said.
READ: Black River Day set for July 25
— Kasey Williams
