All is now set for the day-long Welches Village Fest to be held at the Frederick Harrigan Playing Field on the Whit Monday holiday in Anguilla on May 20, from 7.30 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. The theme of the event is “Preserving Our Past.”
A great deal of preparatory work has already been done for the event now in its fifth year, and on Monday this week, May 13, the two major sponsors presented separate donations towards the holding of the function. The donors were Malliouhana-Anico Insurance Company Ltd (MAICO) which made its first contribution of US$1,500, and the Caribbean Commercial Bank which donated EC$2,800 and has been contributing to the event from its inception.
MAICO’s Claimant Officer, Cleo Hamm, who also has responsibility for marketing, said his insurance company was proud to be part of the Welches Village Fest. He was of the opinion that the event was geared towards closing the gap between the cultural life of past generations and the present younger generation.
CCB’s Manager of E-banking, Talitha Webster, said the Bank was doing its part to preserve the cultural history of Anguilla as showcased by the Welches Village Fest. “On behalf of CCB’s Board of Directors, the Management and Staff, we are certainly proud to contribute to make this event possible.”
The cheque presentations were made at a press conference at which the various activities of the Welches Village Fest were announced by Mr.OthlynVanterpool and Mr. Joseph Vanterpool assisted by Mr. Fritz Smith who chaired the proceedings.
According to an explanatory document, the objectives of the event are “to develop an appreciation of whence we came; to involve young persons in activities of the past; and to raise funds to develop the playing field.”
“We are grateful to the members of the organising committee for bringing us on board, and we hope that we can go forward together in this endeavour,” Mr Hamm added.
The event will feature such cultural displays as cooking on three fire rocks in three-legged pots; baking in the tank oven and pot; various delicacies including sweet potato pudding, sugar cakes, coconut cakes, pumpkin bread, banana bread; and local drinks such as mauby, lemonade, tamarind ‘brow’ and ginger beer. Several replicas of toys of the 1940s, as well as household artifacts, will be display.
The event will be enhanced by a number of cultural performances by the Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre; and the Anglican Church Women Association some of whose members will perform the cake-walk dance. The performances will also include live string band music.
The Welches Village Fest is expected to attract the customary large crowd as has been seen over the past years.
