Curried duck contest and Indo-Caribbean music light up Queens festival
The ninth annual Queens International Food and Music Festival in South Richmond Hill gave away food and gifts donated by local businesses.
NEW YORK, United States. Smokey Oval Park in South Richmond Hill, Queens, was filled with music and the smell of Caribbean cooking on 16 August as Angels Caribbean Entertainment Group hosted its ninth annual Queens International Food and Music Festival.
Many attendees wore the colours of their national flags at the event, a day of giving in which local businesses donated groceries, sweet treats and freshly cooked island food.
Vendors included Dave’s West Indian Imports, Kaieteur Restaurant, Regent Street Bar and Lounge, Hibiscus Restaurant, Style Cuisine Roti Shop, Bakewell Restaurant, Yummy Dips, Legend Cookhouse and MandyKcreations.
Curried duck contest
A highlight was a curried duck competition, with a trophy awarded for the best-tasting recipe and showmanship.
The entertainment featured Indo-Caribbean music, Bollywood fusion and soca, with Angels Caribbean Band lead vocalist Dexter M., Amit R, Randy Recklez, international soca artist Mahendra Ramkellawan and Brian Mohan.
Billed as the Queen of Bollywood, singer Geeta Bishram performed for more than 30 minutes, including a “rain song” during a drizzle. The Shelly Ramnanan Cultural Group danced to soca, calypso and Bollywood music.
Nothing for sale
Vinod Bisram, founder of the Angels Caribbean Band, said the festival was a success. “This is the only event where nothing is for sale. Every sponsor is donating everything that is here today,” he said.
DJ Roshan, host of Abee Chunes Radio, said the station was celebrating its seventh year and had partnered with musician Terry Gajraj on back-to-school and wheelchair giveaways in Guyana.
