A jerk vendor prepares a meal at the Portland Jerk Festival at Folly Oval on Sunday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Despite the influx of illegal vendors, which may have slowed down business for some legitimate ones occupying rented booths, the annual Portland Jerk Festival was a huge success.

Held on Sunday at the pristine Folly Ruins in Port Antonio under favourable weather conditions, the festival, which celebrated its 10th anniversary, lived up to expectations of being a fun-filled family day of jerk experience and live entertainment.

It was obvious from early that the festival would attract a large turnout despite the country's economic downturn. And from as early as 11 a.m Sunday, many were already making their way through the ticketing booths, which, for the first time, was done electronically.

High point

Queen Ifrica - File photos

Arguably, the high point of the festival was the stage show, which saw impressive performances from Romaine Virgo, Cameal Davis and Assassin. The 20,000 patrons were, however, brought to life by gospel artiste Judy Mowatt, who had just about everyone singing and praising God.

Veteran reggae artiste Leroy Gibbons was at his best reeling off several hits, including Four Season Lover, Samfy Girl, Cupid and Missing You, which earned him three encores as the crowd kept begging for more.

And with the pace already set by the veteran singer, it was Queen Ifrica's turn to continue the trend. The Queen set the crowd ablaze, reeling off hit after hit, including Overall, Baby and Daddy. Before exiting the stage, Queen Ifrica warned against the acceptance of same-sex marriage in Jamaica.

Creating waves

When Tony Rebel hit the stage shortly after 10 p.m., the crowd was already in a frenzy. However, Rebel created waves of his own with hits such as Fresh Vegetable, Just Friends, Chatty Chatty, Sweet Jam Dung and One Day.

As master of ceremony, Kingsley 'Raggashanti' Stewart, called on the main act for the night, the inclement weather crept in. Despite the drizzle, no one left the venue, as they were determined to hear and see the 'energy god', Elephant Man.

Sporting his traditional colourful hairstyle, Elephant Man, who was clad in striped shorts and a burgundy shirt, brought a carnival atmosphere to the jerk festival with hits such as Gully Creeper, Nuh Linga and Higher Level.

The artiste also took time out to call onstage four children who were each given US$20 to dance the 'gully creeper' and 'nuh linga'.

Room for improvement

Deejay Elephant Man

When the event ended at approximately 11:30 p.m, it was clear that the Portland Jerk festival had received the blessings of the patrons. But while the festival has been given the thumbs-up, CEO of the festival, Kasey Bourne, noted that there is still room for improvement as illegal vending was quite evident at the venue. He said illegal vendors entered the compound undetected by the lawmen and carried out their illicit selling.

"The police did a marvellous job, but I believe that, with a more coordinated effort, they might just be able to remove those illegal vendors," he said. "It is unfortunate, and is unfair to those who rented booths to earn their livelihood legally. And this is something that needs to be ironed out before next year's staging.

This has to be stomped out as we have set a standard, which could be derailed by illegal vendors who could also bring in contraband," he added.