The Tribune

A CAMPAIGN has started to make a ‘cultural heritage festival’ the largest Independence Day celebration in The Bahamas.

The ‘CrabAGanza’ is being planned for RM Bailey Park in New Providence on July 10 from noon to 6.30pm.

Organisers say their focus and theme for the celebration is ‘Going Back to the Island,’ with part proceeds from the event going towards a heritage park in South Andros.

They plan to have an area on the site designated to ‘island living’ during the late 1960s and early 1970s leading into independence with displays including a re-constructed house, donated rare artefacts, native farm animals, an antique vehicle and a community tuck shop, ‘Come To Da Shop’.

Tasty native meals and delicacies are promised in every crab dish imaginable - crab n’ rice, crab n’ grits, crab soup, baked crab, crab n’ dough, grilled crab, garlic crab, crab fritters and more.

There are plans for 40 stalls, in a ‘native village market,’ aiming to serve an expected turnout of 10,000 visitors, which will sell and display native dishes, crafts and independence paraphernalia.

The fun also includes a crab eating competition, crab auction (gigantic crabs), crab catchin’ n’ clippin’ competition, cultural show, rake n’ scrape band, Junkanoo Rush-Out and Miss Daisy.

“As The Bahamas celebrates 40 years as an independent nation, we have provided an exclusive connection to the rich culture in which this nation is built, an experience like one never seen before!” say organisers.

“Travel in time to life in the islands of The Bahamas in the early years leading into independence!”

With just nine days to go until the official date of the 40th Anniversary of Independence, events scheduled for this week include the Prison Officers Pop Band performing in Rawson Square at 1pm today; a Junkanoo Rush to Independence from East and Bay Streets to Navy Lion Road tomorrow night; the United States Salute to The Bahamas firework display at the Sidney Poitier Bridge on July 4 and National Pride Day, with a national concert at Thomas Robinson Stadium, on Friday.

• WHAT are you doing to celebrate the anniversary? Email our journalists at newsroom@tribunemedia.net or contact them by calling 5022366.