Announcing the launch at a press conference yesterday, the Sunday functions will be weekly from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Tranquility Shores, Taino Beach.
Seeking new and ingenious ways to expand the culture experience to Grand Bahamians, MOT General Manager Betty Bethel said the shows are meant to entertain residents until the end of summer.
“As preparations are made to send the kids back to school, and families gather for the last days of summer, we will extend this event through to the end of August,” said Bethel.
“We invite you to come out and be revitalized and enjoy the sights of our Junkanoo Festival Models courtesy of Elite Look Model Agency.”
Hosted by Pepper Johnson, director of Elite Look, the all Bahamian Fashion Show will feature local models dressed in the latest Androsian ensembles.
Driven towards showcasing Bahamian talents, the festivity will also mark the fashions of Lorraine Arthur, Basheva Eve and Brenda Williams, displaying their island wear.
The Jazz event, which is expected to explore the island’s most talented performers, will feature top Bahamian jazz musicians such as Hubert “G”.
With the economic boost that this year’s Junkanoo Summer Festival brought, tourism officials are excited about the new functions and are planning to make the fete an annual event.
The Junkanoo Summer Festival, formally Goombay, began June 8, and will run through to August 24.
It features Bahamian music, cultural performances such as rake ‘n’ scrape, quadrille dancing, Junkanoo rush-outs and Bahamian entertainers.
Noting that the festival will be 100 percent Bahamian, tourism officials said the purpose of such events is to go deep into Bahamian culture and expose younger Bahamians to the creativity of days gone by.
Anyone between the ages of 16-25 interested in joining the Grand Bahama Fashion Show, please contact the Ministry of Tourism or Elite Look for more information.
By TAMARA DELANEY, Freeport News Reporter