Exhilaration at the Jamaica Emancipendence Ole Time Fair

As the rhythms of Jamaican music echoed beneath their feet, the crowd’s laughter and rejoicing filled the air Saturday at Miramar Regional Park.

The Jamaica Emancipendence Ole Time Fair, hosted by Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam, was one of several events taking place across South Florida over the weekend to celebrate Jamaica’s 60th year of independence and emancipation from Great Britain.

“For us to be able to celebrate with our community such a significant milestone is great,” Messam said.

The official theme of this year’s celebration is “Reigniting a Nation for Greatness.” Wearing their Jamaican colors, attendees braved the afternoon heat as they stopped at multiple vendors to buy various goods, from artisanal jewelry to jerk chicken and cocktail-like decorated pineapple juice and other refreshments. And with the wind occasionally bringing relief from the burning sun, the crowd remained animated.

“I wish I was in Jamaica right now,” said Larry Thomas, owner of Larry’s Peppa Shrimp. “That’d be great, but I am still having fun selling shrimp.”

Florida is home to the second-largest Jamaican community in the U.S., with more than 311,589 people reporting Jamaican ancestry, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Broward County, where the event took place and where most Jamaican Americans in South Florida live, is referred to as “Kingston 21.” According to the organizers, more than 2,000 were expected to attend.

“It’s not really about throwing a party,” Messam said. “It’s more so about keeping the culture alive and celebrating it with all of Miramar. So, we’re just glad to see so many of the residents come out today.”

During the first part of the Fair, which started at noon, some attendees took part in gardening and composting lessons while children played in the Kid’s Zone with access to trampolines and inflatable games.

“I’m here with my 4-year-old daughter to basically instill the culture into her as Jamaican second generation living abroad,” Rebeka Brown, a Jamaican American mother, said at the Fair.

At 3 p.m., people gathered in front of the large stage, where Jamaican comedian Owen “Blakka” Ellis and Dr. Sue, Jamaica’s cultural ambassador and author of “I am Jamaica,” began entertaining the audience.

Jamaica’s Consul General in Miami, Oliver Mair, and the mayor would also take to the stage throughout and during performances by Raul Blaze, Malachi Smith and Little Elijah on the cultural stage. The audience cheered, danced to reggae and new and old traditional Dancehall music, and sang along to the Jamaican national anthem.

Many people said they were excited to be able to immerse themselves in the culture because they miss home.

“For me, it’s the music,” Mair said. “I will have a Red Stripe beer to celebrate the moment.”

Then at 4 p.m., all enjoyed concerts by Chaka Demus & Pliers, Gem Myers and King Banton.

Messam said that those who’ve grown up in Jamaica are used to going to their parish fair, where there would be farmers’ markets, music, folklore, concerts and dance competitions. The goal was to bring that old vibe to this family-friendly event here in South Florida.

“What really makes us special is when you have an event like the celebration of Jamaica independence, you have other Islanders and other nationalities coming out and partaking and sharing in the culture,” Messam said.

“My wife is Jamaican, and my friends are Jamaican. So, I came to represent,” said Julio Gaton. “It’s a great event for everybody because people get to understand things and taste some of the good cuisines that Jamaicans have. So, anybody who has never tasted a beef patty before, this might be an amazing experience for them.”

The Consul General said that the “big action” would take place in the homeland during the gala, which was also planned for Saturday night in Miramar.

“We’re going to be celebrating Jamaica 60 for the entire year,” Mair said. “So those who don’t get everything this weekend can look forward to more celebrations.”