Tweet
August 6, 2011
Hartford, CT
Before I begin, I just want to let you all know that I did not get that many pictures, did not stay long enough to give a 360 aspect of the festival, but I will share what I have. Xavier feel free to grab any of these pics if they appeal to you.
The festival starts early, like 11am or so, but the best part is not until the evening hours. I looked forward all year to this event as it is one of the few times I get to see the Jamaicans I have gotten to know over this long period of time that I have been in CT. This year however, a darkness loomed as an impending weather pattern was threatening the turnout. I hemmed and hawed, refresh weather.com every hour, and went back and forth with friends. At 3PM I finally decided to attend. The biggest issue to tackle at that time was not the weather, but my attire. Sundress or sketel dress? Since there was no sun I opted for the sketel dress.
I had originally planned to take the kids as this is a family event. I took them last year and they had a blast, even scored free ice creams. This year however, with the threatening skies I decided it was best to leave them behind. I dropped them off at relatives and zoomed off into the city.
I met up with a friend just outside downtown and we rode together. Parking is horrible in Downtown. Street side parking is hard to come by, and the lots and garages charge an arm and a leg. I was expecting anywhere from $10 up but was pleasantly surprised to find a garage close enough to the event that was charging only $5 and even happier that I found a spot right near the ground floor exit.
We got out not knowing exactly which way to go. I said to my friend that we should just follow the black people. My friend's response is that we should just follow the police officers instead. And right we were. We had an easy walk across a couple intersections then up a looong flight of steps. 
I'd forgotten about the steps. Last year when I went I had the girls in strollers so I rode in the very small elevator that you have to wait 10 minutes for.
By the time we got up there I was thirsty. Already the scent of jerk was swirling in my nostrils. The familiar rhythms of our music was floating around in the air. We stopped to check out a few vendors that were showcasing their wares, but really we wanted to get a nice, cold beverage so we made our way to the beer booth. I am not a beer aficionado but in the absence of cocktails they will suffice. Could you believe this, not one Red Stripe at a Jerk Festival?
I made my complaint out loud and the vendor laughed and said that was all he heard all day. They had the choice of Heineken, Bud Light, or Carib 
. I chose Heineken. It was surprisingly refreshing, and on I trudged.
I did not get too far before I was bombarded by faces I knew. Long time friends whom I have lost touch with over the years. Of course, a venue like this is not the place to catch up, so we keep it light, say we should get together sometime, and keep it moving.
We passed a group gathered around a live performance on the small stage. I believe it was a mento band. I was not able to get in and get a good shot. Grace was the official sponsor of the event. Proud to see them in our community up here. I think they were sponsors at Penn Relays too. They were offering free product samples to the patrons.
Hartford, CT
Before I begin, I just want to let you all know that I did not get that many pictures, did not stay long enough to give a 360 aspect of the festival, but I will share what I have. Xavier feel free to grab any of these pics if they appeal to you.
The festival starts early, like 11am or so, but the best part is not until the evening hours. I looked forward all year to this event as it is one of the few times I get to see the Jamaicans I have gotten to know over this long period of time that I have been in CT. This year however, a darkness loomed as an impending weather pattern was threatening the turnout. I hemmed and hawed, refresh weather.com every hour, and went back and forth with friends. At 3PM I finally decided to attend. The biggest issue to tackle at that time was not the weather, but my attire. Sundress or sketel dress? Since there was no sun I opted for the sketel dress.
I had originally planned to take the kids as this is a family event. I took them last year and they had a blast, even scored free ice creams. This year however, with the threatening skies I decided it was best to leave them behind. I dropped them off at relatives and zoomed off into the city.
I met up with a friend just outside downtown and we rode together. Parking is horrible in Downtown. Street side parking is hard to come by, and the lots and garages charge an arm and a leg. I was expecting anywhere from $10 up but was pleasantly surprised to find a garage close enough to the event that was charging only $5 and even happier that I found a spot right near the ground floor exit.
We got out not knowing exactly which way to go. I said to my friend that we should just follow the black people. My friend's response is that we should just follow the police officers instead. And right we were.
We had an easy walk across a couple intersections then up a looong flight of steps. I'd forgotten about the steps. Last year when I went I had the girls in strollers so I rode in the very small elevator that you have to wait 10 minutes for. By the time we got up there I was thirsty. Already the scent of jerk was swirling in my nostrils. The familiar rhythms of our music was floating around in the air. We stopped to check out a few vendors that were showcasing their wares, but really we wanted to get a nice, cold beverage so we made our way to the beer booth. I am not a beer aficionado but in the absence of cocktails they will suffice. Could you believe this, not one Red Stripe at a Jerk Festival?
I made my complaint out loud and the vendor laughed and said that was all he heard all day. They had the choice of Heineken, Bud Light, or Carib . I chose Heineken. It was surprisingly refreshing, and on I trudged. I did not get too far before I was bombarded by faces I knew. Long time friends whom I have lost touch with over the years. Of course, a venue like this is not the place to catch up, so we keep it light, say we should get together sometime, and keep it moving.
We passed a group gathered around a live performance on the small stage. I believe it was a mento band. I was not able to get in and get a good shot. Grace was the official sponsor of the event. Proud to see them in our community up here. I think they were sponsors at Penn Relays too. They were offering free product samples to the patrons.
Oh well, it's all about the $$$ I guess, just another business opportunity for these vendors. 
She was an MC at the event.
where people a wait pan line fi 1 hour ??
They informed us that a new batch was coming out in one whole hour. 
She said I was to pay her first and then come back. 
No wonder it sold out so fast. 
There was a Haitian band on stage and the music was actually very good. Negating the fact that I could not see nor understand a word outside of <span style="font-style: italic">"Sak Passe!" "N'ap boule!"</span>, it was an awesome performance! The music had me bopping 
and was reminiscent of a mellow, string based calypso medley.
Disappointed in the lack of variety and also the penetration of non Caribbean entities at a Caribbean festival. Only jerk chicken an pork weh mi neva get. 
Comment