The inaugural staging of the Clarendon Jerk Fest, which took place recently at the Woodleigh Estate in Clarendon, was a treat for patrons, as it delivered fun and entertainment for the family.

The event, which started late in the afternoon, saw children enjoying various games, while the adults were entertained musically by DJ iKon.

Media personality and host Talia Soares-Brown engaged patrons with giveaways from sponsors.

Periods of sporadic rainfall did little to dampen the vibes, as patrons feasted on delicious jerk dishes and the various food offerings that were on sale.

A celebrity cookoff featuring Orrett Wallace, principal of Foga Road High; Suzette Camille Buchanan, CEO, Bellevue Hospital; Evert “Evy Royal” Johnson, comedian and content creator; and Eugena Clarke James, CEO, May Pen Hospital, was another of the day’s highlights.

The cook-off was won by Wallace, who teamed up with Murray’s Fish and Jerk Hut to prepare a rasta pasta with jerk chicken.

May Pen Hospital CEO Eugena Clarke James said: “We are here to support the Clarendon Jerk Fest. The May Pen Hospital is a beneficiary from the proceeds of this event, and we serve so many people from the parish as well as nearby communities, maybe about 300 people daily. So, just to be a part of the first staging of this event means a lot to us.”

For her part, Arielle Oliver, brand manager of The Best Dressed Chicken, said the fest was a good platform for her company to interact with the community.

“[I]t’s a way for us to give back to the community and the people of Clarendon for sure… This is a perfect way that brings everything that we love, everything that we believe in — fun, food and family vibes,” said Oliver.

As the sun went down the stage welcomed performances by comedy duo Apachie Chief and Sarge; recording artistes Deizzle, Pipelyne, Inpha Reblitive, Ching Boss, and established acts Shane O and Ding Dong.

Kevin “Antsman” Smith was winner in the Best Pan Jerk chicken competition, while Lorraine’s Kitchen walked away with the title Best Jerk Vendor.

Lance Roache, a returning resident, who hosted the Clarendon Jerk Fest, was pleased with the inaugural staging: “Given the many events taking place both inside and outside the parish over the Easter weekend, we are pleased with the turnout. Although the crowd was naturally divided among various activities, it was still a strong showing for the festival’s first staging.”

He added: “The artistes truly showed up, from the local acts straight through to the headline performers.”

A section of the audience at Clarendon Jerk Fest.

Best Pan Jerk Chicken winner Kevin “Ants Man” Smith receives a prize from Kim Ford.

Jamal performs his hit Ballandor.

Best Jerk Vendor Lorraine’s Kitchen owner Lorraine (left) receives a prize from Kim Ford.

Recording artiste Inpha Reblitive performs at Clarendon Jerk Fest.

Recording artiste Ching Boss excites the crowd.

From left: Orrett Wallace, principal, Foga High School; Arielle Oliver, marketing manager, The Best Dressed Chicken; Eugena Clarke James, CEO, May Pen Hospital; Delroy Williams, Member of Parliament for Clarendon Central; Suzette Camille Buchanan, CEO, Bellevue Hospital; and Evert “Evy” Royal Johnson, comedian and social media influencer, onstage during the presentations..

Shane O.