West End Bootleggers and Seafood Festival

Grand Bahama, The Bahamas

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation (MOTIA) is thrilled to announce the Inaugural West End Bootleggers and Seafood Festival, set to take place on Saturday, November 23, from 12 noon to 10:00 p.m. at Commissioner’s Field in West End, Grand Bahama.

The inaugural event will showcase aspects of West End’s rich history, particularly during the US’s rum prohibition era, and its mainstays of fishing and tourism.

Nuvolari Chotoosingh, MOTIA’s General Manager in Grand Bahama, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to bringing exciting new events to the island. “West End is the capital of bootlegging, and also known as the seafood capital of Grand Bahama. It is part of the Ministry of Tourism’s mandate to bring new and exciting events such as this to the island, so we’re doing just that,” he stated.

What to Expect

The festival will offer a wide range of seafood and grilling options, and rum! Junior chefs from St. George’s High School and Jack Hayward High School will showcase their culinary fusion skills preparing tantalising seafood dishes and local breweries and distilleries will be on hand, showcasing their products and offering samples of cocktails and rums.

The Bahamas Distilling Company and Caribbean Bottling Company, in particular, will be stationed at several locations on the festival grounds, near Coffees on the Bay, and next to Brother Eddie’s famous Gully Wash stand, where attendants will be serving a twist on the traditional gin and coconut water drink, incorporating Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum and Vita Coco coconut water.

Festival-goers can also check out an upscale twist on the classic Cuba Libre called the Cuba Libre 2.0, featuring Angostura premium rums, as well as specialty cocktails alongside classic mixed drinks.

Entertainment

Entertainment from local artists will also be a highlight of the festival with performances by crowd favourites K.B., Geno D., and Stevie S., and additional entertainment by Phase Four Band, Lil Joe, and The Trouble Band.

History and Cultural Significance

Kingsley Smith, Parliamentary Secretary within the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, noted that “West End was also known as the capital for bootleggers and rum running along with the island of Bimini.” The history adds a special touch to the festival, highlighting the unique cultural heritage of the quaint community.

Safety and Security

Assistant Superintendent of Police Garvin Evans of the Royal Bahamas Police Force assured that police would be in full force to ensure safety throughout the event. “We encourage all residents to come out, have fun, and enjoy themselves because it will be a safe environment,” he said.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Tourism invites residents to join the celebration, enjoy the entertainment, and sample the creative beverages at the West End Bootleggers and Seafood Festival on November 23 at Commissioner’s Field in West End, Grand Bahama.

FAQs

* When and where is the festival taking place?
+ The festival will take place on Saturday, November 23, from 12 noon to 10:00 p.m. at Commissioner’s Field in West End, Grand Bahama.
* What can I expect to find at the festival?
+ The festival will offer a wide range of seafood and grilling options, and rum, as well as local breweries and distilleries showcasing their products and offering samples of cocktails and rums.
* Will there be entertainment at the festival?
+ Yes, the festival will feature performances by local artists, including K.B., Geno D., and Stevie S., and additional entertainment by Phase Four Band, Lil Joe, and The Trouble Band.
* Is the festival safe?
+ Yes, the Royal Bahamas Police Force will be in full force to ensure safety throughout the event.