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Pedro St. James is looking forward hosting its fourth annual Coco Fest – a celebration of all thing’s coconut – this Saturday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Coco Fest is a grassroots event which began in 2016 to celebrate the local Cayman coconut – a bountiful food source with legendary properties, and a traditional staple in the Caymanian diet. Set on the stunning lawn of the Pedro St. James Great House, the event gives vendors the opportunity to showcase their locally made coconut products in a fun and interactive environment.

“We are celebrating the relationship between Cayman’s traditions and our use of coconut through food, drink and other activities and we truly encourage visitors to take the opportunity to also enjoy exploring the Great House and the grounds of our national historic site,” said Pedro St. James Operations Manager, Debbie Bodden.

From coconut-inspired food and drink, to art work and health and beauty products, people who attend Coco Fest will have the opportunity to indulge in an array of creative, cottage industry goods which often cannot be purchased in the stores.

“We want to thank Fidelity Bank Cayman for signing on as this year’s main sponsor. They will be hosting a booth with specials and give-a-ways and we know Fidelity’s presence provides support of the artisans, musicians and small businesses showcasing their products,” commented Tourism Attraction Board Marketing Coordinator, Mona Meade.

Each year Pedro St. James through this event, works to assist a charity in raising funds as well as a forum to meet with the public to discuss their organisation’s’ needs. This year’s beneficiary is Meals on Wheels Cayman (MOW).

“We are actively working to increase the number of meals offered daily, particularly within the West Bay district. We are grateful to be the beneficiary this year at Coco Fest.  While celebrating the relationship between Cayman Islands traditions and our use of coconut through food drink and other activities, we look forward to educating attendees about how the proceeds will positively impact our elderly who are in need," said Meals on Wheels General Manager, Erin Bodden.

Entry to Coco Fest is only CI$5.00 (children 12 and under are free) with $1.00 from each entry going toward Meals on Wheels.

Cayman Spirits Company and Grace Coconut Water (distributed by Jacques Scott Ltd.) have also partnered to create a “Cocktail with Character” where sales of the 1780 Rum (distilled for and sold exclusively at Pedro St. James) and Grace Coconut Water will also benefit the charity.

“The Grace donation was made to Pedro St. James and since Cayman Spirits already works with the attraction through its Outpost Bar and Grill, it was a no-brainer. The rum and coconut water drink will sell for $5.00 and $2.00 of those sales will go directly to help feed the elderly,” said Mrs. Meade.

Coco Fest is also about remembering a time when the coconut industry was prominent in Cayman with artisan demonstrations, cultural demonstrations and a locally produced documentary that explains the benefits and uses of coconut and how it was a main part of the Cayman diet.

The award-winning film, The Bright Spot, will be screened in the Pedro St. James theatre throughout the day. Produced and narrated by nutritionist Tamer Soliman and directed by local filmmaker Rob Tyler, the film takes viewers on a journey as they discover why coconut oil had once lost its place in many Caymanian homes and inspires people to return to the healthy use of the traditional coconut oil.

Visitors can look forward to an array of locally cooked foods, candies, produce, games and beauty products.  There will also be an arts and crafts corner hosted by the Visual Arts Society, bouncy castles, face painting and balloon animals.

Live entertainment will include local bands Little Magic, Back Beat Band and Pan n’ Riddim steel band. For the kiddies, Isadora “Miss Issy” Ferrao will host a half hour kids sing along, and DJ Flex will round the evening out with top 40 and Caribbean favourites.

Coco Fest will take place at Pedro Castle in Savannah on Saturday 9th February from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For information please contact Debbie Bodden on 947-3329 or email Mona Meade at marketing@tab.ky or 949-6999.