Local International Cultural Festival set to delight

Stacy-Ann Anderson-Wilson

Stacy-Ann Anderson-Wilson—owner of SAW Events Planning and Catering Enterprise—promoters of the Local International Cultural Festival are looking to provide quality entertainment for families at the May 24 staging.

“ I planned and executed many other events over the years for several institutions and groups. But, I’ve now embarked on planning and executing my own events, which has been a life dream, while still helping others as I’ve always believed in being my first cheer leader. This year, we really wanted to give our local talent the spotlight and a platform to showcase their voices. As for next year, we will take on the international part of it.

I am excited that we have several amazing sponsors on board which will be announced soon who play a big role in this event’s success,” she said.

She added: “ We have a diverse mix of performers, from past (Digicel) Rising Star singers such as Short Boss and JCDC (Jamaica Cultural Development Commission) Festival Winner Candy Isaacs; Magnum Kings and Queens star Aciidd with his clean and fun music and Sativa the Black One. Emerging artistes such as Lyrii and those who are already making waves in the entertainment industry such as D’Angel and Loyal Flames, to name a few, will also be performing.”

The event will be held at the Buckfield Playfield in Ocho Rios, St Ann. Other performers will include the Steer Town Dance Academy, Ancient Warrior, Apache & Sarge, Jamaican Michael Jackson, Dads The Chair Balance Contortionist, Jungle King Fire Dancer and Mother Banna The Village Mumas. There will be transportation provided by Nation-Wide Express Tours.

Patrons will also have a range of food options to choose from including: curry goat, oxtail, jerk chicken and pork, bbq pigtails rundown, seafood, vegetarian meals and more.

Besides the live entertainment, there will be basketball, football and netball competitions, as well as a nursing school student contest and Mini Miss Attitude Fashion Show. These competitions will allow youngsters a chance to shine in their respective fields. The nursing school competition, which was inspired by Anderson-Wilson’s daughter Jada Clarke, will see a lucky winner being given financial support.

“We want this event to be engaging and inclusive for everyone to have a good time. For the nursing school competition, we know our students are working hard in the clinicals and classroom, even my daughter. I wanted to allow this competition to give back to these students thereby taking just a little burden off of them. Some selected students were invited to submit their transcripts with a 3.0 GPA and above which will be dropped in boxes and the winner will be announced at the event. Other students with this average are also invited to participate,” she explained. The promoter is certain that the second staging of the festival will be memorable and is inviting everyone to attend and enjoy the wide array of activities, food and entertainment.

“The ultimate hope for this event is to give back and create something meaningful that lasts. It’s not just for entertainment, it’s also a charity initiative where part proceeds will go towards our nursing students as well as performing arts teams at selected schools. We want people to come out and enjoy themselves because we know life is challenging and we sometimes need to take a break and have fun. Especially right after Labour Day. We want this event to live on for years to come as something people can look forward to. For more information, you can contact saweventsplanning80@gmail.com,” she said.