Caribbean Invasion

The fifth annual Santa Barbara Caribbean Festival proudly announces its free family festivities for Saturday June 18th

(PRWEB) June 4, 2005 -- The Santa Barbara Caribbean Festival at Oak Park begins at 11 in the morning Saturday, June 18th with the party heating up until 7 at night. Continuing its commitment to multi-cultural unity through an exciting mix of Caribbean music, dance, food and art, the fifth annual festival will again provide a family rich atmosphere to match its flavourful cuisine. Admission to this event is free. Festival proceeds benefit the nations receiving humanitarian aid from the Inter-religous Foundation for Community Organizations (IFCO). IFCO provides food, medical supplies and technology to underdeveloped countries.

Musical entertainment and dance will set the tone for the day featuring direct from Jamaica, the Reggae and dance hall sound of Shinehead, Bobby Matos will keep the festival on course with his spicy hot Afro-Latin Jazz, and Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca return to the main stage as a festival favorite inspiring the crowds to dance the day away while the Rhythm Dance and Fitness Street Team Move their bodies to the insatiable Caribbean beats. Rolando Padilla serves as Master of Ceremonies and guide to every thrilling destination.

To fuel the dancing machine, food from the Caribbean islands will certainly satisfy the curious and familiar appetite. Enjoy the flavors of Jamaica, Cuba and Puerto Rico to name a few. For those seeking traditional festival fare, a selection of popcorn, ice cream and beverages will be available. Enjoy a Cuban Mojito while the kids sip a ginger brew from Reeds.        

Why visit every island in the Caribbean to find unique gifts, souvenirs and exotic treasures when The Santa Barbara Caribbean Festival brings them all to Oak Park? The Caribbean Markets many vendors are sure to intrigue your desire for adventurous gift giving. Whether the gift goes to another or stays with you, it is certain to thrill like the Caribbean breeze.

While dancing and shopping distract the adults, community youth will be immersed in culture through music and art in the Pirates Cove. A festival made drum circle, face painting and Fiesta Jump inflatable outline the landscape of this Oak Park Treasure Island and Captain Kids Lagoon.

The Caribbean Festival has teamed up with an enthusiastic list of local corporate sponsors. Check out the creative spirit in the poster created by James Graca Design in the Santa Barbara News Press Sundays and Fridays before the festival. Marvel at the cleanliness of the event as BFI fulfills its mission to provide a sanitary Oak Park. Listen for Festival updates on Magic 106.3 KMGQ and watch the Caribbean Festival PSA playing on KSBY channel 6.            

Join us at Oak Park, Saturday, June 18th from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM to celebrate cultural diversity and unity. For more information, festival schedule and directions to Oak Park visit us online at http://caribbean.santabarbara.com or contact Mike Hollywood at the contact numbers listed above.

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