Mangano Announces Third Annual LI Caribbean-American International Festival To Be Held At Eisenhower Park

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and the Jamaica Cultural Alliance announced today the 3rd Annual Long Island Caribbean-American International Festival (LICAIF) will be held at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park on Saturday, June 23, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. to commemorate Caribbean Heritage Month and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica and Trinidad’s independence.

LICAIF is a free, family-oriented event which will feature a wide array of music, food, displays from various Caribbean Islands, an awards ceremony, a Caribbean Tourist Expo and a Health and Wellness pavilion sponsored by local hospitals. New for this year, the West Indian American Kite Association will also display kites representing the flags of the different Caribbean countries.

This year’s lineup will feature Caribbean Gospel artist Hopeton Lewis, Joan Myers, and The Ethiopian World Federation Chapter 27 Nyabinghi Drummers. In addition, Soca and Calypso selections by George, Ajamu and the Adlib Steel Orchestra will perform, along with reggae artists Richie Stephens, Tinga Stewart and Ras Doo. All artists will be backed by The Ruff Stuff Band, DJ music by The Hon. Winstone “Merritone” Blake will be celebrating 60 years in the industry, Kriss Kapone and Mighty Crown from Japan. The evening’s festivities will end with a spectacular fireworks display.

“The last two festivals were attended by thousands who came to celebrate the many cultures of the Caribbean, and I once again invite everyone to Eisenhower Park for this great event,” said Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano.

LICAIF is sponsored by Nakisaki Restaurant, Jam Roc Productions, Fountain Oil, Wee Radio, WVIP Radio, Caribbean Style TV, Caribvision TV, Wells Fargo Bank, Western Union, Hyundai, Culture Jam Radio, Caribbean Vibes Radio, Irie Jam Media, VP Records, New York Liberty Star Newspaper, Jewel Shannon Designs, Image this Newsletter, Padlock Records, Ruff Stuff Studios, Jam Roc Records, Digi Waxx Media, Cricket International, Jewel Shannon Designs, Health Plus, Affinity Health, United Health, Evangelism Media, Where It’s At, and Sam’s Caribbean Market Place.

For sponsor, vendor or volunteer information, please contact the Jamaica Cultural Alliance at (516) 238-1217.