submitted by Larry Oskin, Marketing Solutions
With June as Caribbean-American Heritage month, the Caribbean American Association of Lake County successfully hosted their 13th annual free Clermont Caribbean Jerk Festival event at Clermont Waterfront Park with plenty of delicious Caribbean foods, live entertainment, a dominoes tournament, and a Jerk Cook-Off competition. More than 10,000 people attended from all over Florida to make this the largest Caribbean festival with AdventHealth as the primary presentation sponsor.
Mitchell Hill opened the event noting, “Today, we celebrate the vibrant culture, food, music, and traditions of the Caribbean while bringing our community together in a spirit of unity and fellowship. The festival is more than great food and entertainment. It helps us support scholarships, promote cultural awareness and give back to those in need. Over the years, the association has supported humanitarian efforts beyond our local community. Following Hurricane Melissa, we partnered with ‘No Child Hungry’ to provide over 40,000 food packages to families in Jamaica.”
The opening ceremony included the American National Anthem and presentations by many South Lake County dignitaries, including Mitchell Hill, President of the CAALC, Clermont Mayor Tim Murry, Clermont City Manager Rick van Wagner, Michelle Williams acting Mayor of Minneola, and Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks. The diverse community came together to enjoy the Caribbean mix of island foods, drinks, entertainment, music, cultures, games, dance, inspiring presentations, and prayers, with many attendees dressed in colorful Caribbean colors and flags.
Clermont Mayor Tim Murry welcomed everyone, noting, “On behalf of our Clermont City Council. city staff, community partners, and residents, it is my distinct honor and pleasure to welcome you to the annual Caribbean Jerk Festival. Today, we will celebrate much more than incredible food. We celebrate culture, heritage, family, community and the rich contributions that Caribbean Americans have made to our nation and to all of the communities throughout Central Florida. The Caribbean spirit is one of resilience, faith, hard work and joy. It is reflected in the vibrant music, colorful traditions, warm hospitality and delicious cuisine that brings people together across all backgrounds and generations. Festivals like this remind us that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. When we come together, we build stronger and more connected communities.”
The pavilion stage featured a full day of festival fun, moving speeches and live entertainment starting with music by DJ Scott Summerz, the CAALC Steel Drum Orchestra, Gilberto Ray Y Su Trombone Sound, Adrianna Clark & The Musical Seduction Band, Stacy ‘Elevated’ Wilson & The Simple Touch Band, Qupid Ray & The Force 1 Sound, as well as Sistah Lu & The Island Powerhouse Band. 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 and fashion show to proudly represent each county. The Kids Zone featured pony rides, face painting, games, and a bounce house. On-site humanitarian efforts directly supporting Jamaica with Hurricane Melissa Relief Efforts, were there to collect donations.
A moment that brought joy and tears to patrons was the presentation of the Presidential Award of Excellence to Geomar Robinson. This award was presented by Anne Winston, as a representative of Advent Health as presenting sponsor and CAALC President Mitchell Hill. Geomar was recognized as the top scholarship recipient of the CAALC scholarship program, as part of their renewed commitment to share 10 scholarships per year. Mitchell presented a first-place People’s Choice trophy and honors for the Jerk Cook-Off Competition went to Chef Andrew Cole from Fat Chef of Minneola. A second-place trophy with honors was awarded to Chef Gene Gabrysiak of Mr. G Caribbean Flavor. Avid domino players registered for the festival competition hosted and supervised by Glen Caven, President of the North American West Indian Domino Federation (NAWIDF). First place domino competition honors were earned by Ricky Branch of Orlando with second place awarded to Keino Burke.
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 generously grant annual scholarships to young Lake County students. They continue to support Jamaica from their most recent past hurricane catastrophes. 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.
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 5, 2027 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.
