Billboard-charting dancehall artiste Mr Vegas, prolific singer Christopher Martin, The Original Wailers and Code Red Band are among the acts billed for the main stage at this year’s staging of the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival.

The 23rd staging of the event, which is presented in association with Publix, takes place on Sunday, November 9 at the Miramar Regional Park in Miramar, Florida. It runs from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

According to Eddy Edwards, managing partner and chief executive officer of Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, his team is working to make the event a memorable one this year.

“We are extremely busy working to make this year’s festival a most memorable event for our guests, sponsors, entertainers, chefs, influencers and staff. We have always strived to improve upon each year, and we continue to work towards that goal,” Edwards told Observer Online recently.

Said Edwards, “Food is the focus of the festival, we have several vendors offering not only jerk cuisine, but a variety of Caribbean dishes to satisfy every palate. Grace Foods and Publix will be sampling many products, and we will have the Grace Patty Eating Contest, which is always an exciting part of the event.”

Aside from the food and the activities on the main stage, the cultural stage and the Publix Culinary Pavillion are fan favourites each year.

The theme for the cultural stage is Poco Revival and Reggae (a documentary style presentation) featuring MC and host Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley, Carimer Theatre Company, Queen Maxine, comedian Ricky Rowe, Drumming Fingers, Explosive Dancers (Dancin Dynamites champions), gospel DJ Brother Gary and Soul Savers (revival band).

The new and improved Publix Culinary Pavilion will be bubbling with activities, hosted by Jamaican-born award-winning Chef Irie and celebrity co-host Suzette Speaks. There will be demonstrations by Chef Kofi and Chef Alden.

The much talked about Influencer Quickfire Challenge will see last year’s winner, social media influencer and foodie Monica Gonzales defending her title against Sky Princess.

Chef Clay and Chef Rose will battle in the Chef Throwdown arena, while Chef Rob will host a Kids Culinary and Healthy eating area.

Taste of Jerk, the official kick-off to this year’s Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival will take place this Saturday, October 18 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the VP Records Retail Store Parking Lot at SW 21st Street in Miramar.

Singer Christopher Martin will be on hand for a meet and greet at the event, which will feature giveaways and more.