Prep underway for National Food Fair

Preparations are in full swing for the National Food Fair.

Already organizers are being put to the test to accommodate the growing number of vendors according to Gilbert Laudat, Co-chair of the committee responsible for putting it together.

“I must say this year, it has been a little challenging for us this year. The reason why, we have every year we get more than we expected in vending”, said Laudat. “Last year we had 205 vendors, and we prepared and organized ourselves for 205, and now we have 245 but what is very difficult too is some of the vendors that have a 10 by 10 spot would go and tell the young lady that does the registration that they want a 20 by 20 spot, so that puts the person next to them in a disadvantage.”

“We have to try to work around it and try to make all the vendors comfortable.So, right now, we are trying to put those vendors, we don’t want to disadvantage anyone but we’re trying to put things in place to ensure that all the vendors are placed comfortably when it comes to November 3rd. So, we’re trying to work out all of those logistical challenges.

“We don’t want to tell vendors, no, because we understand, but we don’t want to have more vendors than the person coming to buy because you’re going to have200, 300 vendors. Might have nobody buying so we’re trying to cut it down. We are 245 and we’re going to remain there. Remain right there,” Laudat explained. 

Food fair will take place on November 3 at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

The same layout from last year’s event will return this year. This means vendors will be set up just outside the grounds following the curvature of the road.

Odd numbers on the east and even on the west.

Vendors will receive those numbers next Tuesday during a meeting at People’s Place at 5pm.

The kids’ zone will also be returning.

A senior’s section, where they can sit, enjoy their food and be entertained is also on the cards.

Finding vendors will also be much easier, according to Laudat.

“Instead of having papers given out to know where vendor number 70 is or 140, you scan and you look at your phone, and you know exactly where to find the vendors. So, it will make it much easier for the person that’s coming into the ground,” Laudat said.

Helpers will also be present in specific T-shirts to assist.

At around 3:30pm, a parade of characters will take place.

“We’ll have a parade of the Iron Band coming from the east, going back, going down to the west. So, it’s going to be a big parade and we’re expecting persons to see the characters. There’ll be the Skelly Hoppers, the Moko Jambi and stuff like that in the afternoon at 3.30,” Laudat added.

The National Food Fair is a staple of the Independence activities.