Break out your best cruise wear and limber up those legs because the Summer Jam Caribbean festival is back for its 14th year.
Downtown Squamish will be bumpin' with steel drumming beats for the entire family - including those inspired to take on the limbo pole - from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 22).
"It's kind of an end of summer wrap-up party," said co-founder Donna Alexander. "Everyone likes to come out, eat the delicious food and enjoy the atmosphere."
Phase 3, the well-known Vancouver steel pan band, promise to take listeners away to the laid back island vibe, and keep them moving all day long.
"Steel drumming originated in the Caribbean, on the island of Trinidad and Tobago," said Alexander. "It's a festive live sound that you can play anything on - symphony to rock to jazz, you name it."
Between sets, DJ Carl will be spinning his own music while traditional activities take place, like limbo with King Fish, hula hooping with Heavy Huups and face painting.
Alexander and her brother Pat Alexander started the festival as a downtown community party to entice families and anyone with a love of the Caribbean.
This year will include an added touch of authenticity as 10 representatives from Caribbean islands such as St. Lucia, Dominican Republic and the Bahamas are joining the party as special guests of Sunsational Vacations owner Christine Elliott.
The representatives will have a tent set up ready to answer questions about the sun-kissed islands they call home.
Elliott organized the visit to coincide with an annual Caribbean Goes North trip. She has organized a fun-filled itinerary for two days and Squamish having its own Caribbean Summer Jam was a huge selling point.
She said this time of year they're coming up here to promote going south in the winter and train Canadian travel agents how to promote their destinations.
"We're sort of turning it around a little bit to create an opportunity to take advantage of their visit here," said Elliott. "Not only could we encourage people to visit their countries but also give them an opportunity to see yours. Also, take that back with them to promote Canada and Squamish."
Alexander said she thought having them at the festival would be very informative.
"It will be great representation that gives people more information about the area," said Alexander.
Roti, cook-up rice, Jamaican patties, black-eyed peas, dahl pouri, naan bread, vegetarian and chicken curry will be for sale for those longing for a taste of the islands and to keep dancers' dancing. ??
The dress code is festive and tropical and visitors are asked to bring lawn chairs for resting in between dancing and limbo. Dogs and alcohol should be left at home in order to ensure all have a fun time.
Vertical Reality is hosting the event and the parking lot in front of their store and school board office at 37835 Second Avenue will be bumpin' with Caribbean beats from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 22).
