Carolyn Johnson, Staff Reporter
Patrons at the Portland Jerk Festival take a spot on the grass for a Sunday picnic. - PHOTOS BY NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE PORTLAND Jerk Festival, held on Sunday at the Boston playing field in Portland, was a smashing success.
When The Gleaner team arrived at midday, the music was blaring, the police abundant, and the people enjoying the fare. As the day progressed and the heat from the sun subsided, hundreds more people arrived at the venue.
The entire left section of the playing field was dedicated to jerk stalls, although others were at the front. Water posts were stationed in the centre but water was not the main attraction. The food and liquor were.
While many only visited the booths, others positioned themselves underneath the booths trying to hide from the sun.
PICNICS
Many made use of empty booths and spread out for picnics, while some patrons chose a shaded, rocky hill to shelter. There they lounged, lyming along the 'Out of Bounds' sign. Still others ventured past this along the water's edge.
Hats were quite trendy and showed how fashion can actually prevent pain. Frequent notices by the Portland Health Authority reminded the crowd to drink lots of water to avoid heat stroke.
A family affair, there was something for everybody, including a mini amusement park for the children. This section boasted a mechanical bull, ferris wheel, tarpaulin, and other gimmicks while clowns and jonkunnu characters toured the grounds to the delight and fright of some children.
Adult attractions included a fashion show by Cooyah, which was followed by many give-aways and raffles, as different organisations tried to wow the crowd.
Many tourists turned out for the popular event. They were seen savouring the jerk and were probably the only ones not bothered by the scorching sun. One British tourist saw a rasta and grabbed at the perfect picture.
The jerk menu included chicken at $200 per quarter, pork, $600 per pound; goat, $800 per pound; fish, $300 and over; and lobster at $600 or more.
With official parking miles down the road, the Jamaica Urban Transit Corporation provided shuttle buses to the venue. Still, many opted to drive to the playing field and parked in yards which operated as car parks charging up to $300 for the day. Other hopefuls lined the streets with jerk pans and produce hoping to get a quick sale.
When The Gleaner team left the grounds, the live show was in full swing.
