(Eleuthera, Bahamas) – The 29th Annual Pineapple Festival in Gregory Town, during the 2nd through 4th of June, was like none held before. A completely new festival site, full support from the Ministry of Tourism as a signature “Summer Festivals” event, dynamic entertainment, new programming format, a fun ‘kids world’ corner and a fresh mix of delicious food and drink vendors, all came together to make this year’s festival, one of the best ever.
The new site, commented numerous festival goers, was spacious and well laid out, with comfortable, tented seating areas – where patrons could enjoy their sumptuous eats and drinks, or relax and take in the on-stage entertainment. Farmer’s market produce were also readily available, encouraged by ‘no cost’ booths this year, so fresh pineapples and other farm fresh delicacies were on hand for purchase.
With the Ministry of Tourism’s support, this year’s Fest saw the introduction of a professional lighting and stage set up where local bands – High Rock, One Man, Island Flavor and the Rum Runners let loose, and national favorites, like the Rhythm Band backed up performers – Bodine, Funky D, and Geno D during the Friday and Saturday evening shows.
Junkanoo rushouts by the North Eleuthera Cowboys group were also highly enjoyed features during the Pineapple Fest weekend, along with the Biker Boys out of New Providence, who showcased their spectacular motorcycles on site during Friday, June 3rd, and allowed curious youngsters to hop on for a ride on the impressive vehicles. A Gospel Jam on Thursday evening, with local choirs, dancers and praise teams, in addition to local designer fashion shows, the Freedom Marching band, as well as the Blackwood dancers and Pineapple dancers groups on Friday and Saturday, rounded out the Fest’s local on-stage entertainment.
Saturday morning saw the Annual Pineappleman Triathlon record one of their “Best turnouts ever”, according to host, Tom Glucksmann, who also added that the new race headquarters at Daddy Joe’s and the new course had worked out well, and said that the new professional timing team, which had been in place for the event, was a huge addition.
President of the Pineapple Festival Committee 2016, Sharvonne Albury, shortly after the wrap up of the highly successful weekend, communicated a special message of thank you to everyone involved in making the 2016 Pineapple Festival what it was, with special mention of the Ministry of Tourism teams in Eleuthera and Nassau, adding, “2017… No Limits, Bigger and Better, Thank you, Thank you.”
The Eleuthera Ministry of Tourism team, led by Jacqueline Gibson, expressed how pleased they were with the phenomenal success of this year’s event, and are looking ahead to next year, which would mark 30 years of the iconic Eleuthera Pineapple Festival.
