From Loop Cayman

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Minister of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs, the Hon. Tara Rivers, once again kicked off the New Year with a family fair on the first day of the year, welcoming hundreds of her district’s residents to the second annual “Old Time New Year” Family Fun Day, held at the Ed Bush field in West Bay.

The fun day, which began at noon, carried on well into the evening, as West Bayers poured in throughout the day, enjoying a variety of old time games and events and partaking in the selections of food and beverages.

Prizes were awarded for such events as “Lime and Spoon” race and the timeless “Croker Sack Race”. There were also exciting 100 metre dash races run by the young and old alike. Dance performances by the West Bay Quadrille group, a Daffy Duck impersonation by local resident Denis Ebanks, as well as a spontaneous dance competition by some of the older residents in the community provided an enjoyable source of entertainment for all.

Organisers ensured fun for all ages, with all games available to young and old alike. For the young ones, horse rides donated by Spirit of the West were a popular draw, as children lined up several times to be led around on one of the two fields in use for the event.

Face painting and the bouncing castles were another popular favourite among the youngest attendees. Residents were invited to visit the ‘Culture Corner’, where local artists and crafts vendors involved in the Heritage Arts programme displayed their wares and demonstrations, which included thatch work, rope-making, peppermint candy making and spinning gigs. Several children tried their hand at spinning gigs and blowing conch shells.

The day also featured local West Bay musicians, the Majizstix Band, who regaled the audience with a selection of musical offerings, along with DJ Super “C”. Between the bouncing castles, snow-cones, cotton candy and a wide variety of games played, the day ended with many worn out youngsters and their happy parents, declaring it a complete success! “Our first ‘Old Time New Year’ Family Fun Day held last year proved to be a very popular event,” said the 2nd elected member from West Bay, Hon. Tara Rivers.

“However, this year’s event turned out to be an even greater success! I believe that community events like this are a great way to bring people together for good, wholesome activities, where families can play together and enjoy themselves, while passing on our traditional Caymanian heritage in a fun and engaging way. It was such a wonderful day and I am thrilled that so many came out and took part in it. We look forward to next year’s family fun day, which promises to be just as enjoyable.”

The event was sponsored by several local businesses, each of which made generous donations. Minister Rivers sincerely thanks the hard working organising committee, volunteers and the sponsors who provided food, ice, drinks and prizes.

For more on this story go to: http://loopcayman.com/2015/01/07/2nd-annual-old-time-new-years-family-fun-day-success/