The third staging of the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, produced by Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc and VP Records attracted its largest a crowd of 15,000 at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York, last Sunday July 21 2013.
The family affair for Jerked food Lovers packed the park and feasted on venue Jerk dishes of all kinds.
There was a live concert featuring The Fab 5 band, Shaggy, Christopher Martin, Red Fox, Rayvon and Maxi Priest. Embattled NYC mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner campaigned very hard on the grounds. In the Celebrity Jerk Cook-Off, New York City public advocate Bill de Blasio nipped actor Leon Robinson of Cool Runnings fame.
Chef Brian Lumley was selected Chef of the Year.
Sukanta Jerk Hut won for Best Jerk Chicken, walking away with the coveted Dutch Pot and $500. The Silver Dutch Pot and $200 went to Boston Jerk City Restaurant, while Porty Jerk Flavors was third, copping the Bronze Dutch Pot and $100.