Bahamian Culture Comes to Life at Marathon Festival Jan 25-27
January 23rd, 2008
Marathon, Florida Keys - Three days of Bahamian cooking, junkanoo bands and historical re-enactors are to be celebrated at Crane Point Hammock and Museum’s third annual Bahamian Heritage Festival Friday through Sunday, Jan. 25-27, at mile marker 50 bayside in Marathon.
The opening night fish fry dinner, set to begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, is to feature keynote speaker George Born, executive director of the Historic Florida Keys Foundation. Seating is limited to 50 and reservations are required.
The Saturday family day is to include two parades featuring the Caribbean Queen Junkanoos. Viewer participation is typical in the Bahamas and, while it’s not necessary at the festival, it may be hard to resist.
The day’s other attractions are to include children’s crafts and educational activities, historical demonstrations, guest speakers and Bahamian-style arts, crafts and food from vendor booths.
In addition to the Key West Caribbean All Star Band, Sunday’s highlight is to be a Taste of the Bahamas with Henrietta Relaford McIntosh Weaver, renowned guiding spirit of The Art of Baking in Key West. Demonstrations are to include how to make delectable delights with coconut, and visitors can sample and buy delicious Bahamian-style food.
The area’s Bahamian heritage is a strong one. In the 1890s, George and Olivia Adderley and a small group of Bahamians sailed to the Keys from the Bahamas. After a few years living in the Upper Keys, the Adderleys bought 32 acres on Key Vaca at what is now Crane Point Hammock. The home that George Adderley built by hand still stands, and is to be open for self-guided exploration during the festival.
Admission is $10 per adult for a one-day ticket for Saturday or Sunday, and $15 per adult for a two-day weekend ticket. Price for the Friday fish fry is still to be determined. Children’s admission is $5 per child per day, with children younger than 6 admitted free.
For event schedules and information, contact Crane Point Hammock at (305) 743-3900.
To find out about area accommodations, call the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce at (305) 743-5417 or (800) 262-7284, e-mail visitus@floridakeysmarathon.com, or visit the Florida Keys & Key West Web site at www.fla-keys.com.
