This well organized cultural event was held on Saturday 14th, May, 2011 at the torii gate of the International Bazaar, in Grand Bahama. Attendees were afforded the opportunity to experience Cat Island through food, artifacts and music. The Cat Island Association hosted this interesting event for a worthy cause; a building for B.T.V.I. They strongly believe Cat Islanders should be afforded the opportunity to study in the tranquility of their own island because they would have fewer distractions.

The Cat Island Association claims Cat Island has the richest historic background. It is the home of the Bahamian Music: Rake n Scrape. Cat Islander are very resourceful and creative. They make their own brooms, graters, bags and more.  Throughout history. When Cat Island is mentioned, Mount Alvernia or Como Hill (as it is known)comes to mind – the highest point in the Bahamas, 206ft.

Today, this island is still a place to discover. If you need to meet serenity pick this precious gem of an island. After tasting Cat Island, many persons plan to visit sometime soon.

If you were born there, a descendant or just want to visit or need to learn more about this beautiful island, don’t miss the upcoming Cat Island Rake n Scrape Festival in June 2012!

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2012 Pelican Point Cononut Festival| Photo Credits by the Nassau Guardian

By Renamae Symonette- Ministry of Tourism

The 14th Annual Coconut Festival has become a signature event on the community calendar, featuring Authentically Bahamian culture with special emphasis on cuisine, and century’s old social traditions.

Scheduled for April 9th 2012 and locally celebrated as Pelican Point’s Homecoming Festival, family friends and guests will descend upon the small seaside village to a feast of coconut dishes such as coconut jimmy, coconut shrimp, barbecue ribs with coconut sauce, coconut rice, coconut tart, and more, as well as a variety of coconut beverages including the famous Bahamian drink gully wash – made of coconut water.

“There will be an ‘everything coconut under the tent’ display” says Cathy Laing, organizing committee spokesperson and Cacique Award Winner in the Authentically Bahamian Handicraft category.

The Grand Bahama Royal Bahamas Police Force ‘Pop Band’ , ‘Avvy’ and ‘Geno D’ will perform throughout the day, and event-goers will participate in uniquely coconut games and fun activities such as coconut eating and barking contests.  Coconut shell crafts and souvenirs such as jams, soap, coconut-scented candles, etc.,will also be available.

The Pelican Point community comprised of less than one hundred residents is located thirty-five miles east of Freeport/Lucaya and remains populated by descendants of the original residents to this day.  The organizing committee headed by members of the Thomas, Laing, Roberts and Cooper families, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and corporate sponsors, are committed to keeping their ancient traditions alive.

The International Bazaar is gradually making its way back to that once thriving Shopping Plaza and entertainment spot, that many Grand Bahamians and Tourists enjoyed over the years. On Saturday, October 29^th 2011, the Bazaar became alive as hundreds of shoppers.

and children of all ages canvassed the property looking for bargains. Merchants discounted their merchandise up to 75%, giving the community a chance to get a jumpstart on their Christmas shopping.

Tons of games and activities were set for the children; Musical Chairs, Reverse Raffle, Red Light, Green light, Hop Scotch, Over the River and Over the Bank. Bouncing Castles were also erected on the grounds for the Children’s enjoyment by Party Pleasers. There were Snow Cones, Cotton Candy and more. Creative Cacique was also there painting the faces of the little ones, offering designs for as little as $1.00.

There was also a Best Costume Competition which was judged by 3 random local residents of Grand Bahama including Dr. Fernander. There were many wonderful pieces but two year old Ms. Angel Watson emerged as winner.

Simply Natural Photography donated the prize for this segment; it was a $150.00 Photo Shoot which included 15 shots and 1 Print.This company provides private shoots also.

Visit their website to see some of their work.

Entertainment was provided by Marvelous Entertainment; who captured all of the children’s attention with a dance off competition by his characters: Spongebob, Spiderman and Elmo. The children were allowed to dance with their favorite character. Another highlight of the entertainment was a Thriller Dance by Mr. Leon Gardiner, a Michael Jackson impersonator. Every camera was out and everyone was on their feet for this piece. It was electrifying!

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At about 3:30pm, the children were released to navigate the complex and stop to some fifty odd stores to collect candies. This was indeed the moment that they all have been waiting for.

In asking both parents and children about the day, everyone agreed that it was fun and very eventful and thanked the International Bazaar’s Tenants Association for a job well done.

In 1972, an English Teacher by the name of Jeffrey Morgan was looking for a way to raise funds for the Primary School and entire community of McLeans Town. Due to the settlements rich resources of Conch, it was decided to create a festival surrounding the settlement’s popular Dish, Conch. It was agreed to incorporate a Conch Cracking Contest, and also include local vendors to set up booths and sell dishes conch related.

39 years later, McCleans Town Conch Cracking is still the longest running Festival on Grand Bahama. The festival was held on Friday, October 14^TH. The Event started at 2:00pm and concluded at 8pm. This year’s Festival was bigger and better than ever. There were visitors on site that attends this Discovery Day Festival annually.

Giving the opening remarks was Director of Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, Ms. Karen Seymour.In attendance were Parliamentarians such as: Minister Kenneth Russell, Minister Byron Woodside and Senator Frederick McAlpine.

Organizers had a slate of fun filled activities lined up for their many visitors and Locals alike. There were performances by: The McLeans Town Girls Club, New Wave Dancers, A local Rake N Scrape Group, Classic Dancers and our very own; Grand Bahama Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band. The Police Force Band gave the public a number of popular, interactive pieces. It was a proud moment to know that Grand Bahama now has their very own Police Band.

The New wave Dancers really got the crowd involved and engaged in their dance routines also. The signature number for the Dancers for the afternoon was “Knocking The Conch Style”. They demonstrated the dance and encouraged visitors to join them on the stage to learn this native dance. There were also a conch eating contest; of which both locals and Tourists participated.

The legendary K.B (Kirkland Bodie), gave a highly charged performance and needless to say, all in attendance were captivated by his energy and ability to hypnotize the audience.

Although every activity and performance are note worthy; The highlight of the event was the famous Conch Cracking Contest. Before the start of the contest, a local McLean’s Town Fisherman demonstrated to the group step by step, how to Crack a Conch.

The competition was broken down into Four Categories: Visitors- Ladies, Visitors- Men, Locals- Ladies, Locals-Men.

Overall, the 39^TH Annual Conch Cracking Festival was a much needed injection into the  Mc Leans Town Community and a tremendous success.

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Treasure Cay Beach, Abaco is rated as one of the region’s top 10 most beautiful beaches in the region. This 3.5 miles of white sandy beach is definitely a sight to behold.

The turquoise water stretches for miles; and the first utterance from the first time beach goers of this beautiful beach is wow! Treasure Cay Beach was voted one of the region’s top 10 beaches in a reader poll by Caribbean Travel & Life. “There are no pictures that can prepare a visitor for the awesome sight of this beach; its size, its white powdery sand and those beautiful blue waters. All that and there are no crowds; you will get the feeling of being on your own private Island.

We encourage Bahamians to experience the diverse beauty of our family Islands this summer. Treasure Cay Abaco is a 25minute plane ride from Grand Bahama and 35-40 minute ride from Nassau.

Contact us at info@bahamianillustrated.com for inside scoop on rates and fares.

The nine contestants of Miss Grand Bahama wooed their audience at the Island Seas Resort through the Talent, Model and Spokes Model segment on Friday night. It was a place of anticipation and excitement. Those in attendance surely enjoyed cheering on their favorite contestants. Tempestt Stubbs the reigning Miss Grand Bahama Beauty Pageant Queen set the stage with her mesmerizing walk of elegance. Not long after, the beautiful contestants took over the stage and the crowd went wild!

The show started with the top model competition. A live photo shoot was performed. and all nine lovely ladies had the opportunity to strut their stuff in front of a live audience!

After each photoshoot, the contestants were tested for their spokesmanship and had to sell a product called “slim line lipstick.”  A job well done!

The audience was entertained by these upcoming beauty queens. The contestants Talents varied; from singing to dancing and drama.

Overall, these beautiful contestants proved they were not just stunning, but ladies with personality and gifts.

Follow the contestants for the next few weeks:

FRIDAY; JUNE 3, 2011 for the SWIMSUIT & EVENING GOWN COMPETITION 8PM TREASURE BAY CASINO – Tickets $5.00

THURSDAY; JUNE 9, 2011 JUDGE INTERVIEW WITH CONTESTANTS

FRIDAY JUNE 10, 2011 FLOAT PARADE STARTS AT 4PM COSTUME JUDGING 8PM INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR

And the main event…
SUNDAY; JUNE 12, 2011 MISS GRAND BAHAMA BEAUTY PAGEANT PER-SHOW 8PM MAIN SHOW 9PM – Tickets $25.00

Title: Bazaar Easter Egg & Scavenger Hunt
Location: International Bazaar
Link out: Click here
Start Time: 12:00
Date: April 24th, 2011
End Time: 5:00

THE MOST ANTICIPATED HIGH ENERGY BEACH PARTY OF 2008, 2009 AND 2010 IS BACK AGAIN IN 2011~~
THE RE-BIRTH~~ MORE DOOR PRIZES, MORE GAMES, MORE COMPETITIONS, MORE JOKESSSS AND FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER LIVE PHOTO SHOOT FOR THE WET-N-MAD CALENDAR 2012!!!!!

~~WHAT HAPPENS IN WET-N-MAD STAYS IN WET-N-MAD~~!!!!!!

MORE INFO COMING SOON!!!