Thousands enjoy music, games, food at Caribbean American Annual Family Day, Orange, NJ

Monte Irving Park in Orange, New Jersey on July 14, was a sea of radiantly dressed nationals many who came in buses from Brooklyn to celebrate the annual Caribbean American Family Fun Day. Guyanese-born, Lady Ira Lewis, president, and members of the Guyana American Heritage Foundation organized the event.

Lawmaker Britnee Timberlake who recently became the youngest Senator in the State of New Jersey, representing the 34th District, and co-sponsor of the event, joined Lady Ira Lewis on stage and danced to Bob Marley’s hit “One Love,” an ode to the camaraderie, and unity displayed on the massive grounds of the park.

The politician applauded the togetherness and gave a shout-out to nationals from the Caribbean African diaspora. She said it has been a privilege to support the event every single year for the last 10 years, because of Ira Lewis, “the Queen of Guyana.”

“I know you’re all ready to dance and listen to good music, but you know I always have a message. The message now more than ever is unity.”

“We must be united politically; we must exercise our right to vote. That means you must register to vote this coming November. “It’s more important than ever you must vote,” she reiterated.

“Many of us have come here to this country with the promise of democracy. As an African American woman, I recognize the partnership that we have all over the globe as black people but so many of your ancestors and your forefathers, and maybe you yourself have come here for the promise of democracy, and that is at risk of no longer being so. You and your family members are out there seeking the American dream. Are you going to vote,” she asked the crowd, in return the popular senator received a resounding yes.

Senator Timberlake, who has been a staunch supporter and friend to the Guyanese community while serving as an Assemblywoman, is also a part sponsor, and supporter of the Annual Independence Flag Raising celebration at East Orange City Hall, put on by the Guyana American Heritage Foundation, Inc.

A massive crowd of nationals in colorful outfits packed the Monte Irving Park, Orange, NJ to celebrate a Family Fun Day organized by GAHF on July 14. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

A heavy downpour did not damper the spirits of picnickers, who upon return of the sweltering heat, competed in track and field, Lime and Spoon, and Sack racing events, for medals and trophies. The excitement, fueled by a cultural presentation opened with a Hulu Hoop demonstration by this reporter, that set the tone for a thrilling afternoon of entertainment.

In addition to the smell of national dishes emanating from scores of picnic tents, compatriots many draped in their national flag, danced to the music, from center stage.

From Soca, to Soul, Rap, and Calypso the crowd was entertained, and engaged by emcee Ervin “Washie” Washington, who resonant voice reverberated across the ground, as music played, and flags waved.

DJ King Aquarius, Gucci Boss, Lil Tim, Pablo-G, D-Angel, Nia, DJs Natty Samuels, and Dance Hall artists, War Child, and many others, were among the impressive, line-up.

Soca Monarch Adrian Dutchin put on a fiery performance and revved up the crowd at the Annual Family Fun Day in Orange, NJ on July 14. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Popular entertainer, and Soca Monarch, Adrian Dutchin, joined the revelers on the ground for a fiery, performance with hits, “I am a Guyanese, Mr. DJ”, and others.

Awards were also presented to entertainers, Gucci Boss, and Pablo G., as well as Cyd Hooper, Kim Greaves, and the Adams Family.

Ira Lewis applauded the resounding success of the family fun day, noting that every year, the event creates an economic boom to the city of Orange, due to small business owners in the area who benefit from consumers who attend the event.

Doris Rodney, left, owner of the Hills Restaurant in Brooklyn, took picnickers by bus to Monte Irving Park, Orange, NJ on July 14, for the Annual Family Fun Day organized by GAHF where they engaged in a game of Dominos.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

She thanked Senator Britnee Timberlake for her steadfast support over the last ten years, speaking to attendees, who continue to make the event incident-free.

“What an amazing event,” said Lewis, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made the Caribbean Family Fun Day a resounding success.

“Special thanks to The Hon. Britnee Timberlake,” she expressed. She also thanked, generous sponsors.

They are PSEG, Essex County Sheriff’s Department, Essex County Parks, Mayor of Orange and Police Department, City Council, Sandra and all food donors, Springer Printing, Foreman Foundation, and Darrel Charlton.

Guyanese decked out in their national colors Monte Irving Park, Orange, NJ on July 14, for the Annual Family Fun Day organized by GAHF. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

She also acknowledged, Exit Platinum Laparkin Shipping, Hair Force Salon, Mr. Tucker, Tangerine Clarke, Talk A De Town Radio, Byron Pitts Shop Restaurant, Y.A. Restaurant. Reggie flyers/Fun Bass, and many others.

“To our dedicated members, hardworking volunteers, and talented artists who shared their gifts with us, thank you for your kindness, talent, and tireless efforts.

To all the people and families who came from out of state, thank you for your support and for being part of our celebration. Your contributions, big or small, made a significant impact on our event. Together, we made a difference and created an unforgettable experience for our community.”

“Let’s continue to work together to achieve greater heights! Thank you all again for your support and generosity. We are truly grateful.

“Let’s look forward to our next exciting event. Join us for our gala on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2024. Tickets are available now. Call Lady Ira or any committee member at 973-951-9898 to secure your spot. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again.

Members of the Guyana America Heritage Foundation, founded by Ira Lewis, and co-founded by Orin Jay Mingo, secretary, in 2001, are, Sherif Barker, Brenda Telford, Janet Mitchell, Donna Marshall, Michael Campbell, Kheron Telford, Elijah Gordon, Sadie Richards, Audrey Somerset, Yvette Eswick, Robert Halley, Clinton Hollingsworth, Collette Boston, Grace Rafeeza Shahabudeen, Judy Thomas, Glenn Miller, Burgett Williams, and Michael DeAbreu Luthers,