By Michelle Bailey (@MichelleBailey1)
Prince Jo Jo from Ocho Rios, Jamaica performs at the African/Caribbean Pavilion on Monday night. (MICHELLE BAILEY / CHRISD.CA)
I chuckled when I discovered Folklorama’s Africa/Caribbean pavilion that celebrates countries known for being hot was taking place at a curling club.
The only ice in the Pembina Curling Club at 1341 Pembina Highway was in the rum punch, pina coladas and tropical ice cream.
Pavilion media chair Daniella Archer told me this is year 47 for this pavilion and the first time at this location. There is plenty of room to sit, especially if you would like a table. Do bring cash if you want to take in the offerings of jerk chicken, Jamaican beef patties, or Festival, a yummy Caribbean fried dumpling with a slight crunch from the cornmeal. It was super tasty as was the flaky beef patty I splashed with a little hot sauce (I rate it the best I’ve ever had and I’ve been to Jamaica!). Paired with a Red Stripe beer, it really hit the spot. The price was right too. The patty and my tasty dessert was only $4. If I would have had a sidekick with me, I would have wanted to give the Calypso Ribs a try.
Volunteer Vern McKay with a case of Red Stripe, the perfect pairing with a Jamaican beef patty. (MICHELLE BAILEY / CHRISD.CA)
I did get to have a beverage called Sorrel, a dark red, tangy drink made with hibiscus that I really liked. Be sure to have it in a glass with some ice.
As I finished my last bite, the entertainment got underway. Hot, hot, HOT and so fun. This year features a performance by Prince Jo Jo, a very bendy limbo dancer from Ocho Rios, Jamaica. After he shows the audience how it’s done, people are invited to come up and give it a try. The night I was there, a member of the Winnipeg Police Service gave it a go and did an impressive job even while in full uniform.
There is a lot to see in the cultural display and numerous souvenir tables line the wall in the main pavilion area. The space is airy and inviting, which is a good thing considering week one of Folklorama is going to be a toasty one. Almost as hot as this pavilion.
For sure try: The Jamaican Beef Patty. I just may go back to have another!
Keep in mind: Parking. There is a large grocery store right beside the pavilion and they make it very clear not to park in their customer parking area.
