December 22, 2011

The 7th annual International Caribbean Festival “CaribFest” and Carnival Parade, a City of Norfolk sponsored event, will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2012. The event organizer is the Virginia Caribbean-American Cultural Association Inc. (VCACA, Inc.), a nonprofit/tax exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service, their aim is to broaden the public’s appreciation of cultural diversity.

This year’s theme:

“Celebrate the Spectacle…a Caribbean Explosion!”

CaribFest is no ordinary festival! It is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture. One of its main highlights is the colorful Brazilian type PARADE including dancers on stilts, elaborate costumes and folklore characters. Additionally, many other activities are planned throughout the day at the main festival area Town Point Park: live authentic Caribbean performances, Steelpan music, Limbo dancers, a Children’s Zone, food and Arts & Crafts vendors.  This is a spectacular celebration of rich Caribbean heritage and culture in what has become one of the city’s most diverse joyous annual community festivals.

Visitors will get an opportunity to celebrate, learn, and savor Caribbean hospitality, culture, heritage as only the Caribbean can offer!

When and Where? Saturday, August 11 – Gates open @ 11:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Town Point Park, Downtown Norfolk, Virginia Waterfront. The Masquerade/Costume parade features fabulous costumes with influences from the Caribbean and Brazil starts at 12:00 p.m. (noon).

Admission: Adults -$10, Children 6-12 years – $5 and Kids 5 years and under – FREE

All tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at virginiacaribfest2k12.eventbrite.com or Ticketmasters.com or at the gate on the day of the event.

Temporary Road Closures for the Carnival Parade:

The following streets will be closed to through traffic for the parade: The parade begins at E. Water Street (near Harbor Park Parking Lot “F”). This is necessary for the safety of the parade participants and setup of floats. The parade will proceed West on Waterside Drive, turn right onto Martin Lane, left onto W. Main Street, right onto Granby Street, left on College Place, left on Boush Street, East on Waterside Drive and end at E. Water Street. This temporary road closures will exist for approximately three hours (12:00 p.m. until the conclusion of the Parade). During this time period, motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes in an effort to avoid delays. Many areas along the parade route will be posted as “No Parking – Tow Away Zones” starting Friday night. Please adhere to dates and times posted. Due to restricted vehicular access, residents and businesses located near and along the parade route are urged to plan ahead and to be aware of road closure schedules and alternate access routes.

Who Should Attend? The CaribFest Festival will appeal to the entire family. We have entertainment for the young and the young at heart … truly something for everyone! Spectators are encouraged to line the parade route to cheer on parade units/floats as they pass. Lawn Chairs and blankets are welcome at the festival area at Town Point Park, Waterside Dr, Downtown Norfolk.

For further information on the festival, parade, and all of the day’s activities visit the festival’s website at:
www.virginiacaribfest.com

Contact:

VCACA, Inc.| Festival Manager – Michael Forde – (757) 358-2056

Or Festival Assistant – Abby Mills (757) 287-1539

Other information dial toll free: (877) 822-2764