Entrigue Magazine


Always Entertaining and Always Intriguing



Celebrating Caribbean Heritage at the 2nd Annual
"Reggae in the Park" Family Event



by Elias Xavier



On June 15th, 2024, New Castle County’s Glasgow Park transformed into a vibrant festival of music, food, and culture as it hosted the 2nd annual “Reggae in the Park” Family Event. This lively celebration, marking Caribbean Heritage Month, was spearheaded by Matt Meyer, County Executive of Wilmington, DE.



A Musical Extravaganza



The event was a musical delight, with Philadelphia’s Young Genna DJ Stagga setting the stage with a mix of popular Bob Marley hits and tracks from artists like Beres Hammond and Tarrus Riley. The air was filled with the sounds of 90’s reggae songs and a few nostalgic 90’s R&B tracks, creating an eclectic yet distinctly Caribbean vibe. The beats resonated throughout the park, drawing people to dance near the stage and enjoy the festivities.



A Day of Community and
Culinary Delights



Under the warm 90-degree sun, families and friends gathered with picnic baskets, folding chairs, and blankets, creating a festive atmosphere. The tantalizing aroma of jerk chicken grilling on smokers was irresistible, with vendor stands and food trucks offering a variety of West Indian delicacies. Popular eateries like Trini Quizeen from Dover, DE, Grapes Jamaican Cuisine from Wilmington, DE, and JAM-ROCK Jamaican Restaurant from Philadelphia, PA, served up delicious dishes, while a tent offering freshly prepared cane juice and coconut water was a refreshing hit. The Exotic Mixed Drinks by Drinkcup Celebrity attracted long lines for their flavorful virgin and non-virgin beverages.



A Cultural Marketplace



The event also featured a vibrant marketplace where vendors sold an array of items, including West Indian and African flags, Bob Marley bucket hats and T-shirts, oils, beads, incense, and more. Desiree Allen Ward, owner of Desire To Get Waisted, was on site with her beautiful and intricate waist beads, adding to the rich cultural tapestry of the event. This marketplace offered attendees a chance to take home a piece of the Caribbean spirit.



Special Highlights and Performances


Giant Supermarket, one of the event’s sponsors, added an exciting touch by providing a limited number of free Phillies baseball and movie tickets. In a heartwarming moment, children were invited on stage to share what they loved most about their dads, with the opportunity to choose tickets to either a Phillies game or a movie. The movie tickets were particularly popular and quickly claimed.


The entertainment lineup was diverse and engaging. Performances included children singing Bob Marley’s “One Love,” the dynamic Rastaman and Roots Rocker Kenny Vanella, and Ian "Jahiti" Smith, the Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Wilmington, DE, and his band. The highlight of the evening was a performance by Grammy-nominated reggae artist Serani, whose energetic show had the entire park dancing and celebrating.


A Celebration of Heritage and Community


The 2nd annual “Reggae in the Park” Family Event was a vibrant celebration of Caribbean heritage, filled with music, dance, food, and community spirit. It provided a joyous occasion for families and friends to come together, appreciate cultural diversity, and enjoy the rich traditions of the Caribbean. The success of this event underscores the importance of cultural celebrations in fostering community and creating lasting memories.


Entertaining & Intriguing



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