Stacy-Ann Anderson-Wilson, owner of SAW Events Planning and Catering Enterprise, promoters of the Local International Cultural Festival, says she is 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 cheerleader. 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 told the Jamaica Observer.
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, rundown, seafood and more.
Besides the live entertainment, there will be basketball, football and netball competitions, as well as a nursing school student contest as well as a 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.