Scheduled for October 14 at Taino Beach, officials of the non-profit organization announced at a press conference that they have gained new partnerships and objectives for the one-day gala.
"When we have fund-raisers like this, it empowers us to help people in need. We don't just confine ourselves to Grand Bahama, which is why it is so very important for us. That is our new goal," said Sam Cooper, chairman of the Grand Bahama Red Cross.
Revealing that the festival's title, 'Conchtoberfest', had been revamped to suit the new theme, Cultural Events Chairman George Charity said the new name and partnership has resulted in a series of activities crafted solely for Bahamian heritage.
He said that after joining up with the Thousand Man March and the Grand Bahama Entertainers Musicians and Arts Association, culture in the sun will be an edifying experience.
"We want to strengthen the unique and diverse cultural heritage of the Grand Bahama community," Charity said. "We will begin the day with the march, which will start from Sea Horse plaza to Taino beach. The musicians from the association will be entertaining from noon to midnight as we feature most of the local artists on the island."
Charity said in addition to musical entertainment and Bahamian delicacies, the festival will also feature food and drinks from various nationals, including Jamaica, Philippines, Nigeria and Haiti.
He said that the culture-based affair, which is slated to begin at 8:30 a.m. and carry on until midnight, will showcase over 25 vendors selling various goods and a Junkanoo rush-out by the Majestic Crusaders.
Highlighting the activities of the Red Cross, the chairman added that culture in the sun would be a financial boost for the organization.
"We are looking to net about $20,000 with the culture festival. This would be distributed into our many programmes, community services and, of course, something reserved for disasters," he said. "There will not be an admissions fee, so we will have a pot available for persons to make donations and as for vendors, it's a financial reward for them and a good way for people to increase their finances."
Joe Fox, chairman of the Thousand Man March and president of the Grand Bahama Entertainers Musicians and Arts Association, said he did not hesitate to be a part of such a "culturally spirited festival."
"It is an excellent partnership between the association and Red Cross," Fox said. "We are also an outreach, so when we met to discuss the entertainment, my heart fell out to the Red Cross and so we decided to combine it all together so we can raise funds."
Featuring local artists such as Wilfred Solomon and Stevie Colebrooke, Fox said that the job of entertainers at the festival is to do the best that they can while displaying a sense of culture.
He said the entertainment would be a major opportunity for existing and upcoming musicians.
"The entertainment has been very low here and this will give them a chance to expose themselves to Grand Bahama," he said. "By working with the Red Cross, we want people to realize that we do have a variety of entertainers here ﾗ 125 strongﾗ who can perform for a great cause while assisting our community."
By TAMARA DELANEY, Freeport News Reporter
