AFTER A successful inaugural event last year, the organisers of 'St Ann Gathering - Back A Yard' are planning a reunion for July 29 to August 5.
It is being co-ordinated by the St Ann Chamber of Commerce with the support of the Jamaica Tourist Board and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission.
According to the chairman of 'Back A Yard 2000', Iva Walters: "We are expecting that a large number of St Annians, their families and friends will be returning from overseas and other parts of the island to join their local counterparts in this celebratory week in the garden parish."
A colourful and exciting package of activities, with a strong cultural appeal, has been organised for the period.
The week's programme kicks off on Saturday, July 29 at the JTB's Jamaica Spice Food Festival with a 'Best of St Ann' Expo, at Mahogany Beach in Ocho Rios from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The mini-expo will showcase the best of the parish in cuisine and business, among other areas.
On Sunday, July 30, a church service will be held to celebrate Independence and officially launch 'Back A Yard 2000', at the Salem Baptist Church, in Runaway Bay, beginning 11:00 a.m.
Emancipation Jubilee takes place on Monday, July 31 at the Seville Great House in St Ann's Bay. An exhibition of old time Jamaica and distinguished sons and daughters will be mounted at Seville starting 10:00 a.m. while a Jubilee Celebration and Show will be held at the Seville Great House, featuring traditional folk forms. Patrons are invited to take along their enamel mugs for 'chocolate tea'!
On Tuesday, August 1, Augus' Mawnin-Back A Yard will be held throughout the day at Sturge Town, the island's second free village. A street concert is set to take place at the Ocean Village Shopping Centre, beginning 6:00 p.m. Special tributes will be made to Burning Spear, Justin Hinds and sportsman, Franklyn Rose.
It will be 'Know Your Parish Day' on Wednesday, August 2 when parishioners will be invited to visit an attraction in the garden parish.
All districts will be invited to participate in the Plant A Tree Day and to beautify the environment on Thursday, August 3. The main project for beautification this year will be Main Street, Ocho Rios, which will be implemented with the assistance of the Tourism Product Development Company.
A Gospel Concert will be held on Friday, August 4 at the Addison Park, Brown's Town, at 7:00 p.m.
The week is expected to culminate with a grand Family Fun Day at the Kaiser Sports Ground in Discovery Bay, with a variety of entertainment for each member of the family.
- Contributed
