Ital Fest targetted to be an annual staple

The promoters of “Ital fest-Royalty” say they are hoping to make the event an annual one after a successful outing last Saturday August 24, 2024.

FROM Left: Dennie-Gonsalves, Idesha, Patrick Jr.

The food festival was held on the lawn at the entrance of the Arnos Vale stadium in an effort to introduce the population to healthier foods, highlight delectable dishes offered among the Rastafarian community, and bring persons into contact with healthy food choices therefore aiding their pursuit of healthy lifestyles.

During the event, various food vendors displayed and sold “all natural foods”, these being freshly prepared dishes, fruits, and vegetables while several craft vendors also had items on display.

More than 30 vendors registered for the event including Bobby’s Fruit Stand, Kings and Queens Delight, JTM Delight, Value Heights Kitchen, Carol Balcombe’s vegetables and Kenny’s Bakery. Medicinal marijuana products were also on display.

The event also witnessed reggae and calypso artiste Abuza Cyrus perform.

Ital Fest-Royalty is the brainchild of Devon Gonsalves, who received support from several others persons including Patrick Jr, Abuza Niah, Melia Dennie-Gonsalves, Ideisha Jackson and Joel John.

Dennie-Gonsalves said the feedback has been great and they are hoping to stage the event annually and attract persons from the region and internationally who can use the festival as a reason to visit St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

One of the fruit and vegetable stands

She said they are hoping to attract even more vendors next year and are urging the corporate community to support the event in an effort to help promote healthy living and support local small business people.

“We had a lot of content creators, and we appreciate the exposure they gave because they were the ones capturing the moment and marketing us, we appreciate them,” Dennie-Gonsalves said.