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CELEBRATE JAMAICA FAMILY
STYLE
THREE-DAY
JAMAICA FESTIVAL SET FOR
FOURTH
OF JULY WEEKEND
 Jamaica has long been
considered the pioneer of the family-oriented resort. Today, the island boasts
a number of resorts just for families, with special children’s programs and fun
activities for both kids and parents. The island will be celebrating family
togetherness during a special three-day "Jamaica Family Festival" set
for the Fourth of July Weekend.
The first-ever Jamaica Family Festival, taking place
from July 1-3, 2000, is a unique opportunity for families to experience the
island and all of her family charms. The resort area of Montego Bay will be the
setting for this inaugural event, which will feature activities for all ages
and many cultural opportunities.
 "Jamaica
has always welcomed families with open arms," said Fay Pickersgill,
Director of Tourism. "With this in mind, we have created a festival that
will allow our visitors the opportunity to experience our traditions and
trademark hospitality while at the same time enjoying all that the island has
to offer,” she said.
"We
hope that in addition to the activities we have planned that our guests will
take advantage of programs such as our ‘Meet the People,’” Pickersgill said.
"This program will pair them with Jamaican families and allow them to
experience our island as we do every day, giving them wonderful memories and
newfound friends," she added.
 Visitors
can dive into the fun on July 1 when Gloucester Street comes alive with the
sights, sounds and smells of an authentic Jamaican street fair. Montego Bay’s
famed "Hip Strip" will be closed to traffic for the occasion and will
be lined with vendors featuring Jamaican treats and beverages.
Lively
art and craft vendors and colorfully costumed dancers will fill the street,
live Reggae music will fill the air and a host of activities such as
professional hair braiding, face painting, and more will capture the
imagination in this festive kickoff event.
The
all-day/all-night "Family Beach Party & Sports Day" will be on
July 2 at Rose Hall Beach. Families can choose from several sports activities
and competitions on the beach, including volleyball and plenty of watersport
activities. On hand to lend their talents will be a variety of Jamaican cultural
groups, including musicians, storytellers and more.
 The
Jamaica Family Festival culminates on Monday, July 3rd with the "Country
Cook Out". The day begins with river rafting, Jamaican style, as families
board 30-foot bamboo rafts for a leisurely ride down the Lethe River (an
activity made famous by swashbuckling actor Errol Flynn.) Rafters can sit back
and enjoy the sights, stop along the way to sample vendors colorful wares or
dive off the rocks into the soothing clear blue waters. And when the ride ends,
the fun begins with a Jamaican "Country Cookout" featuring more live
music, family sing-alongs, palm frond sliding (Jamaica s answer to sledding!)
and a special "Pen Pal Signup" to ensure that visitors can stay in
touch with their new-found island friends for life.
For more information on the Jamaica Family Festival,
contact the Jamaica Tourist Board office nearest you: New York - 212-856-9727,
Chicago - 312-527-1296, Los Angeles - 213-384-1123, Miami - 305-665-0557 or
e-mail the JTB at jamaicatrv@aol.com
The Jamaica Tourist Boards website now features the
new "J-Mail Dispatch," which automatically updates you via e-mail
about new events and happenings in Jamaica. Sign up now; visit the site at: http://www.jamaicatravel.com
Photos courtesy of the Jamaica Tourist Board
Edited by: Autumn Rhea
-Updated 2-19-00-
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