“We were excited about the opportunity to bring to Summer Junkanoo Festival traditional artists from Grand Bahama and New Providence, to share their talents and skills at this Festival,” said Renamae Symonette, the Ministry of Tourism’s heritage tourism manager.
She added that The Ministry of Tourism in Freeport is “indebted to the people of Grand Bahama for the fruitful and long-standing partnership for culture.”
“These efforts will go a long way in helping us to preserve our culture for our future generations,” Ms. Symonette said.
She exressed special thanks the vendors and artists for accepting their challenge to make it easier to sell and to deliver world class experiences to our visitors during this festival.
Hundreds of visitors came out nightly to participate in the Bahamian Ring Plays, Limbo Dancing, Dance Contests, Conch Cracking, Demonstrations, Sisal Weaving Demonstrations and yes, the Junkanoo Rush-Outs.
Pleased with the large turnout of visitors, Ms. Symonette expressed, “We feel confident that we have provided our visitors with enjoyable Bahamian experiences.”
However, she said the greatest benefit to the residents of Grand Bahama is the national pride which this Summer Junkanoo Festival evoked in the hearts of Bahamians.
“Summer Junkanoo energized the community to identify and honor those who have shaped our rich culture and to pass the traditions on to future generations,” she said.
Approximately 200 persons were employed for the eight-week duration of the festival.
The Ministry of Tourism encourages all residents to come out and enjoy the final night of the Goombay festival on Friday.
By ANGELO ARMBRISTER, Freeport News Reporter
