Island Beat - What's Happening in the BVI

EMANCIPATION FESTIVAL
- A Colorful Cultural Jamboree
On August 1st 1834 the Emancipation Act freed some five thousand slaves and abolished slavery in the British West Indies. To this day it is celebrated by a three-day public holiday on the first Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in August. As the end of July approaches you can certainly taste summer in the air, festive flags are being hung and calypso music is blasting from the radios. These are the signs that the Emancipation Festival, or August Festival as it's referred to locally, is near – a time f0r BVIslanders to celebrate the past, present and future.

There is usually a slogan and theme every year that's the central idea throughout the celebrations. This year the Slogan is: "Celebrating Our Freedom with Family and Friends BVI Festival 2010" and the Theme: "A Colorful Cultural Jamboree." The festival village is the central point of the celebrations where locals and visitors alike converge to partake in the various activities and entertainment. There is certainly no shortage of food either as the local dishes are sure to get your taste buds going with favorites like roti, fry fish and Johnny cakes that are just a small part of what makes the celebration so special.

The festivities start with a slew of activities leading up to the main events on August Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Come energized and well rested for the Rise and Shine tramp, which starts in the early morning hours on August Monday. The traditional Miss BVI pageant is held on Sunday as the queen is an essential part of the August Monday parade. Monday is also the traditional ceremony at the Sunday Morning Well in Road Town, the original site where the Emancipation Act was read in 1834. East End Festival kicks off Monday night and continues until Wednesday, and Tuesday is the traditional race day at the Little A Race Track. Thursday the festivities move to the western end of the island for the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta, this closes things out and brings our two-week celebration to an end with more music, food and traditional games.

July 23 – Opening of the Festival Village
July 30 – International Reggae Show
July 31 – International Calypso Show
Aug 1 – Miss BVI Pageant
Aug 2 – August Monday Parade
Aug 2 – 4 East End Festival starts
Aug 3 – Horse race
Aug 5-7 – Carrot Bay Fiesta

THE KING OF ALL SHOWS
Capital Productions is back and is bringing you "The King of all Shows" which is the theme for the 2010 Official Car Show of the August Festival. For ten years the group has been a positive influence in the community bringing wholesome family events to the BVI. This year the car show has expanded with an exciting boat show sure to please boat enthusiasts. The show scheduled for Saturday July 31st 2010 from 1pm, is at a new venue this year, Peg Leg's at Nanny Cay.

Car and boat owners can enter to win big prizes and of course bragging rights for the year. With a wide range of categories from nicest paint job, best sound system, posh interiors, and everything in-between, the show is truly an outlet for creativity. Capital Productions is also giving some lucky person the chance to walk away with a brand new Mitsubishi Zinger. Come out and support this community event and see the best cars and boats the BVI has to offer.
For details visit www.capitalproductionsvi.com

BLACK BOATERS SUMMIT
It has been 13 year since Paul Mixon and his crew at Honey Lets Travel first introduced amateur African American boaters to BVI waters with the first annual Black Boaters Summit in 1997. The unique affair acquaints African Americans with the world of sailing and boat life. The first year saw 100 eager participants and that number has grown each year. This year over 200 boaters and more than two-dozen boats are expected for the event scheduled for August 5 to 15.

For those who aren't quite "Yacht Ready" new adventures await with the 1st annual Black Boaters Summit Villa Vacation, which will run concurrent to the Black Boaters Summit and is a high quality beach villa vacation designed for those not yet ready to exploit the sea. That doesn't mean you will miss any of the fun, as both groups will meet frequently to party and explore the islands. Included in the itinerary are some of the most popular sailing spots in the BVI including The Baths and Cane Garden Bay.
So if you want to be part of the biggest "island hopping party" of the summer visit www.blackboaterssummit.com

ANYTHING THAT FLOATS
The Pub is hosting its annual Anything That Floats (except a boat) Race. The name, which says it all, is a fun event with only one rule: non-marine materials must be used in the construction of your vessel. This year the race will be held on August 15th, 2010, and is open to everyone. In the Sinking Dinghy Race, another crowd favorite, participants paddle a leaky dinghy through a course; all while trying to bail out water faster than it comes into the holes. There are also games on shore for the land lovers like the frozen t-shirt contest which will be sure to cool down this hot summer's day, making it a fun afternoon for everyone. Call 494-8321 for details.

AND THEY'RE OFF
Horse racing in the BVI has become a grand affair and every year spectators from the BVI and neighboring islands flock to the Ellis Thomas Downs for the August Tuesday races. Taking place on August 3rd the races are part of the Annual Emancipation Festival.

The Premier's Cup is the feature race of the day and the horse that wins that race has bragging rights for the year, as this is the most coveted title of them all. The defending champ Hesinmypocket walked away with the title last year and is back to battle some of the top horses in the region. The Delta Petroleum Cup is has been added as a second feature race of the day, increasing the stakes and making for some exciting races. Post time is 1:30pm Tuesday, August 3rd – see you there!