Driving along the winding roads of Jamaica, the tantalizing aromas of grilling chicken, pork and fish permeate the air.  Dotting the roadsides are makeshift cook shops and sheds, all fronted by homemade grills converted from metal drums.  hand-lettered signs, promote "jerk" chicken, pork and fish.

Can you see yourself driving on these winding roads?  Can you feel the sea breeze blowing in your face? Can you just imagining escaping to the Caribbean without ever leaving the City of Chicago?

Then get ready for  CHICAGO CARIBBEAN JERKFEST  which will take place on Saturday, June 26, 2010 in the Windy City- Stateway garden Park 3658 S. State Street, Chicago.

At the Chicago Caribbean JerkFest you will see...

Wine Pavillion:  They say there are two rules that have stood the test of time. Rule One: Drink red wine with meat, and white wine with fish and poultry...but what wines go best with Jerk Pork?. At the Chitown JerkFest, Sommeliers will pair distinctive Caribbean cuisine with fine wines.  Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the  delicate international flavors and educate themselves on how well the different savory spices pair with wines from around the world.
 Pon 'd' Front Page: Our Main Stage for live Caribbean entertainment.  Patrons will enjoy the live entertainment featuring Roots(culture), Oldies or Lover's Rock Reggae, Dancehall, Punta, Mento, Calypso and Soca music.   Local artists and disc jockeys will be on hand to support our main stage performers and keep the crowd rocking from open to close.

Coronation Market - Vendor Area: A marketplace of Caribbean fashions, souvenirs, arts and crafts, along with  authentic  Caribbean food - come taste escovitched fish and festival, codfish fritters, hard-dough bread and patties, curry goat and rice and peas, a roti from Trinidad, peleau or roast corn.

In 'd' Kitchen:    One of the most popular attractions of Chicago Caribbean JerkFest.  Cooks, both amateur and professionals, will not only display their creativity when they create two dishes to be entered for judging and vie for one year’s worth of bragging rights as Chicago’s Caribbean Jerk King or Queen, but the added pressure of doing in front of spectators ought to make this fun.  you know what they say....IF YOU CANT TAKE THE HEAT....STAY OUT THE KITCHEN!!!

Passing On The Traditions:  Our cultural pavilion.  The purpose of the pavilion is to provide an opportunity for patrons to enjoy the  culture of the Caribbean through cultural dances, storytelling, arts and crafts indigenous to the West Indies .

Pon 'd' Plaza:  Our Domino area.  You can not JERK dominoes...we know this, but...what would the Caribbean experience be without the inclusion of a Domino Tournament? 
This is a must see at the Chicago Caribbean JerkFest – we are looking for a team to wear the Midwest Domino Crown...do you match or do you play?  Enter the tournament for a chance to win prizes!!!   DOMINO TOURNAMENT APPLICATION

De Pickney Dem - The Kidz Fun Zone:  Features activities for Children such as: Bounce About, Games, Relays, Pony Rides, Puppets, Clowns, Magicians, face painting and balloons.

Caribbean Village - Tourism On Display:  Ever wanted to know what kind of vacation to plan when going to the Caribbean?   Come speak with the Tourist Boards presenting the Caribbean islands and plan your next Caribbean escape.

A family oriented festival - Come Out and Enjoy Good Vibes!