Last year, about 4,000 people came to the Jamaica Emancipendence Ole Time Fair in Miramar to enjoy the free Jamaican food and musical performances. This year, the fair returns on Saturday, Aug. 3, with new musicians.
Gramps Morgan from the award-winning band Morgan Heritage, Richie Spice, Ernie Smith and other reggae artists will perform at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater.
The family festival runs from 3 to 11 p.m. and features a farmer’s market with the Miramar Community Garden, where guests will be able to learn how to maintain their own home gardens. There will also be a kid zone with water activities and arts and crafts.
Miramar has one of the largest Jamaican diaspora populations in the world, and Aug. 1 marks both Jamaican independence in 1962 and slave emancipation in 1838.
As the mayor of Miramar, Wayne Messam said he looks forward to hosting this year’s festival and seeing people learn about Jamaican culture.
“You have so many immigrants that have immigrated to America and now they have children and grandchildren that are our residents. And to see the community come together, passing on the culture, the history and the food,” Messam said. “Just the whole atmosphere, the music from the various artists. It’s just a good family-oriented event.”
The weekend of events includes a reception on Thursday, Aug. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. On Friday, Aug. 2 from 6 p.m. to midnight, is the Jamaica 62nd Pre-Independence Day Fete, a free celebration with Jamaican music and a chance at winning airline tickets. The last event is the Jamaica Independence Cup, a soccer tournament at Henry D. Perry Education Center, on Sunday, Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Jamaica Emancipendence Ole Time Fair
WHEN: 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3
WHERE: Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater, 16801 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL 33027
COST: Free admission, $10 parking
INFORMATION: Registration required on Eventbrite
