The festival, complete with food trucks, live music and a moon bounce for the kids, takes place from 1 to 9 p.m. at the corner of State and Main streets. Admission is free.
“The Jerk Fest is important to the Bridgeport community because it provides a safe environment for families from diverse cultures to gather and share West Indian food and music,” said Carolyn Vermont, a member of the board of the festival's sponsor, the West Indian-American Association of Greater Bridgeport.
The celebration coincides with West Indies Emancipation Month, Vermont said.
“It is an honor to contribute to the cultural experience that downtown Bridgeport offers,” she said.
Hundreds of visitors flock to the festival for popular West Indian restaurants selling curry goat, rice and peas, meat patties and the star of the day — jerk chicken and pork.
Ruler Tone returns as the festival’s DJ and the musical lineup includes Jah Movement, Scrappy Ranks, Kool Riddums, Kalie Roselle, Mr. Campbell Jungleman and many more. There also will be dance performances by Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County, Klein Dance Company and District 4.
Vendor booths along the edges of the green will feature ILuvBpt, Dwight Walker, J & S Fashions, Kingston Kafe-Kraft, Parker’s Pampering LLC, Rock m’ Kulture and others. In addition, The Links will conduct voter registration on-site.
The moon bounce will be open throughout the day and children also can enjoy face painting.
Founded in 1997, the West Indian-American Association of Greater Bridgeport sponsors the celebration and assists needy individuals and groups in the United States, the Caribbean and other parts of the world. For more information, call 203-727-0200.
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