The air was thick with the delicious scent of mangoes on Saturday, July 20, 2024, as the community came together for the vibrant Mango Fest 2024. From 4 PM to 8 PM, the festival grounds buzzed with excitement, drawing in over 300 mango enthusiasts of all ages. This year, we had the pleasure of hosting 22 fantastic vendors, offering everything from local crafts to
mouth-watering food, all infused with the sweet and tangy flavour of mango.
A Feast of Mango Delights
The festival truly lived up to its fruity theme, with vendors showcasing an incredible array of mango-inspired products. Whether you were craving savory dishes, sweet treats, or even mango-themed merchandise, there was something for everyone. Attendees delighted in mango chutneys, salsas, ice creams, cakes, and more, each bite a testament to the versatility of this beloved fruit.
Exciting New Competitions
This year, Mango Fest expanded its offerings with the introduction of several new competitions, each highlighting the culinary creativity inspired by mangoes.
Mango Dessert Competition: This contest was a feast for the eyes and taste buds alike. Phenicia Bodden Fraser wowed the judges with her exquisite mango creation, taking home the 1st place prize. Bronwen Caraballo's delicious dessert earned her 2nd place, while Georganne Rankine's inventive dish secured her 3rd place.
Mango Cocktail Competition: This refreshing highlight of the event was hosted by the reigning Miss Cayman Islands Universe, Ileann Powery. In partnership with Fusion Mixology and Seven Fathoms Rum Cayman, participants crafted creative and delicious mango cocktails. Bryan Ramoon's concoction stood out, earning him the top spot. Cindy Grant's innovative blend came in 2nd, while Pradeep Reddy's unique drink took 3rd place.
Mango Peeling & Eating Competition: Hosted by young Tourism Ambassador Garson Gardiner, this event was a crowd favourite, providing plenty of excitement and laughs. Congratulations to Armando Ortega for clinching 1st place with his swift peeling and eating skills. Pradeep Reddy came in 2nd, showcasing his quick hands, while Karthik Adapa took 3rd place with his impressive technique.
Educational Highlights
The Department of Agriculture provided insightful demonstrations on mango tree grafting, giving visitors a hands-on look at how to grow and cultivate their own mango trees. It was a fantastic opportunity for aspiring gardeners to learn from the experts and gain tips on nurturing their mango trees to fruition.
Community Support and Sponsorship
Mango Fest 2024 was proudly supported by the Department of Tourism, which came on board as the title sponsor for this year's event. Their partnership was instrumental in bringing the festival to life and enhancing the overall experience for all attendees. Additionally, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Heritage generously provided a grant, underscoring their commitment to celebrating and preserving our cultural heritage.
Looking Ahead to Mango Fest 2025
As the sun set on a day filled with mango-themed fun, we’re already looking forward to next year’s festivities. In 2025, guests can look forward to the addition of a Mango Cooking Competition, promising even more delicious and innovative mango dishes. Thank you to everyone who attended and made Mango Fest 2024 such a sweet success! See you next year for more mango madness!
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