Press Release

Goombay Fantasy 2010

The Bahama Village Goombay Festival has grown over the years and evolved into an educational as well as cultural experience. This year the Goombay Committee has decided cruise to the Bahamas twice this year. Once in the spring and again in the summer.

March 27th, through April 4th, 2010 a group of Key West Goombay Committee Members, family and friends, went on a Caribbean cruise to St. Thomas, Tortola, Puerto Rico, Antigua and Nassau; we want to share this incredible experience with you. Just call Melissa (305)509-0015 or email us at info@goombay-keywest.org to book our upcoming cruise to Nassau, Grand Bahamas to experience the Bahamian Independence Day celebration as a Bahamian would. This cruise is planned for July 8th, through July 12th, 2010. Leaving from the port of Miami and rates are as low as $329.00 per person, all inclusive, based on double occupancy. Call Melissa for details.

Goombay, Key West's locals favorite family friendly street festival dates are October 22nd & 23rd, 2010. We start the fall events with the Community Fishing Party October 15th, 2010 at one of the locals' favorite fishing spots; location to be announced only days before the event. This event is for the entire family featuring, fishing, dancing, dominoes, card games, food, drinks and good ole fashion family fun (Bring your own cooler & fishing supplies).

This will be our 30th annual celebration. "30 YEARS AND STILL THE LOCALS FAVORITE STREET FESTIVAL", “Rake – N- Scrape, Forever” We want to invite you to the locals favorite cultural celebration “Goombay 2010”. In the past we have featured headline acts such as; Sweet Emily, Geno D, The Spank Band, The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, Arrow, the Mighty Sparrow and many other well known artist. This year we promise to give you an event you will remember a lifetime. Please, take the time to visit our website at www.goombay-keywest.org, schedule of events tab where you will find an event you won't want to miss.

October 21st is the VIP reception and vendor early booth space registration at the Coral City Elks Lodge, 1107 Whitehead Street, our official headquarters. The Opening Ceremony will be held 6 PM at the main stage on the corner of Petronia and Emma Streets, in the heart of the last real neighborhood left in Key West, commonly known as Bahama Village. There will be local officials, gospel choirs and open microphone opportunities for local talent to perform on the main stage. Friday and Saturday, October 22 and 23, noon – midnight both days is the world famous Street Fair, where vendors from all over the world display their food, arts and crafts that will amaze you.

Since these cultural exchanges began, both the Bahamas and South Florida have benefited with an increased tourism and a better understanding and acceptance of each others history and culture. Many independent groups, out of Key West have sponsored cruises to the Bahamas usually leaving from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and our committee is in the planning yet another cruise to the Bahamas departing from Miami this summer. Goldie's Bahamas Seafood Restaurant is a vendor from the Bahamas that participates in our event annually, as well as many other talented artisans from around the world and we have a group of citizens from Key West that attend the Island Roots Festival annually on the island of Turtle Cay in the Bahamas. Last year, City Commissioner (The Honorable Clayton Lopez) from the district that includes Bahama Village and a member of the Coral City Elks Lodge , along with Commissioner Mark Rossi , who is a faithful host of our annual kick off party and a sponsor of the Goombay festival annually, where among that group.

Key West has a lot in common with the Bahamas; our small island community is filled with descendants of Bahamian decent. When you come to Key West you are home and we treated as family. It is said when you come to Key West and get the sand in your shoes, you will never want to leave. We are doing our part to keep culture first and hope to see you and your family at this years events. Feel free to call or email us with any suggestion, recommendations, or fund raising opportunities. This year we are producing an official souvenir program guide and you may purchase an add space in the collectors edition official program guide by contacting sue@conchcolor.com or ken@keywestelks.com.

Click here to view the 2009 Goombay Festival commercial

Charity, Justice, Fidelity, Brotherly & Sisterly Love