Photos and Article by Larry Oskin, Marketing Solutions
The Caribbean American Association of Lake County successfully hosted their annual free Clermont Caribbean Jerk Festival event at Clermont Waterfront Park with plenty of delicious Caribbean foods, live entertainment, and a Jerk Cook-Off competition. Thousands of people attended from all over Florida to make this the largest Caribbean festival.
Mitchell Hill opened the event noting, “On behalf of the Caribbean American Association of Lake County — organizers of this 12th Annual Clermont Jerk Festival, I welcome you all. We want to thank our Festival Chairperson Christine Gordon and her hard-working committee, as you’ve done a phenomenal job bringing this celebration to life. To the City of Clermont, thank you for once again opening your heart and your space to our Caribbean community. To our sponsors, vendors, performers, and guests, we know that your presence makes this event what it is: flavorful, vibrant, and full of life. What makes this festival truly special is that it reflects the rich tapestry of the Caribbean; with our diversity, our unity, and our strength. CAALC is proud to have members from across the region. I want to honor each of our islands by echoing their national mottos with words that speak to the spirit behind our music, food, dance, and resilience:” Hill then shared the mottos and slogans from each of the Caribbean Islands adding, “These mottos aren’t just slogans, they are our identity. Together, they remind us that though we come from different islands, we are united by shared heritage and a deep pride in our Caribbean culture.“
Reverand Drew Marshall of the South Lake Presbyterian Church shared prayers. Clermont Mayor Tim Murry welcomed everyone, noting, “We all need to thank the City of Clermont and the CAALC for opening your hearts to our Caribbean Community, which remains vibrant and full of life. The Clermont Caribbean Jerk Festival is very special. It reflects our great South Lake diversity, unity and resilient with a celebration of people, music, culture, foods, and drinks. With unique traditions and rich cultures, we are all unified here today!”
The diverse community came together to enjoy the Caribbean mix of island foods, drinks, entertainment, music, cultures, dance, inspiring presentations, and prayers, with many dressed in colorful Caribbean colors and flags. The opening ceremony included the American National Anthem and presentations by many South Lake County dignitaries, including Mitchell Hill, President of the CAALC, Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks, and Clermont Police Chief, John Graczyk.
Led by MC Dr. Linton Atkinson, the pavilion stage featured a full day of festival fun, moving speeches and live entertainment starting with music by DJ Phayz, the CAALC Steel Drum Orchestra, Aixa’s Zumba Crew, the Trumpeter Dwight Richards Team, School of Rock Band. Island Powerhouse Band, Sanky & Crew, and more. Attendees were dancing in the pavilion and throughout the vendor aisles to celebrate with music broadcast throughout the event grounds. There were plenty of exciting stage surprises. Many people settled in with their chairs, blankets, and umbrellas to listen, dance and sing along with the complement of reggae, rhythm, and blues entertainers. The day included their wonderful annual Caribbean Festival Flag Parade to proudly represent each county. The Kids Zone featured pony rides, a petti mg zoo, face painting, henna body painting, games, and a bounce house.
Presented by CAALC President Mithell Hill, a first-place People’s Choice trophy and honors for the Jerk Cook-Off Competition went to Gene Gabrysiak of Mr. G Caribbean Flavor. A second-place trophy with honors was awarded to Andre Christie of Dre’s Island Flava.
The Caribbean American Association of Lake County is a 501-C3 non-profit organization focused on giving back to the community while enhancing the lives of young people in our community! They grant annual scholarships to young Lake County students. They are involved in ongoing community and charitable projects to host many fun family events while promoting the diverse Caribbean culture. CAALC encourages all Lake County students to apply for scholarships as well as to participate in their Steel Drum Orchestra.
This year’s event was sponsored by the Caribbean American Association of Lake County, the City of Clermont, Advent Health South Lake Hospital, Hyundai of Central Florida and many more. The Caribbean American Association of Lake County is located at 614 East Highway 50, Suite #251 in Clermont, FL 34711. Call 352-978-0813 or email: CAALC2004@GMail.com.The next Clermont Caribbean Jerk Festival will again be held on June 6, 2026 at Clermont Waterfront Park in Clermont. Visit: http://www.caalc-fl.org and follow them on Facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/CAALC123. This festival event was organized by Christine Gordon of the CAALC and Maritza Rivera of Marz Events. Visit: www.MarzEvents.com or call: 561-951-4035.
