The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT - The Junkanoo Summer Festival 2012 officially started at Taino Beach offering a showcase for talent and culture.

Speaking at the opening was the Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville, who encouraged residents to support the annual festival.  

“As Minister for Grand Bahama, it is my mandate to promote our island as a tourism centre and to help to revitalise our tourism product,” he said.

“This festival, which was started in Grand Bahama 38 years ago, presents an opportunity for Bahamians to showcase our talent and culture and to share our unique traditional experiences with thousands of visitors to our shores, as well as local residents.”

Dr Darville said that an estimated 300 Bahamians are expected to participate in the festival, including food and beverage vendors, entertainers, Junkanoo performers and youth marching bands. 

He said Bahamians and visitors can expect that this year’s festival will be the best street and heritage festival yet.

The festival will run over the next three weeks at Taino Beach Park, each Thursday from 5pm to 12 midnight.

Minister Darville invited residents from East to West to bring their families and join in the fun.