June Events

Photos by Lise Gula via facebook

Saturday June 19th was a fantastically windy day, perfect for the 20th annual fool's regatta.  The event commenced at noon and soon after the three classes of racing were under way;  Hobie Cats, local sloops, and the always entertaining, raft race!  The turnout this year was fantastic, even the US Coast Guard made an appearance in a dramatic demonstration.  The history of this tradition was begun on April 1, 1990 with a multi hull sailing race from Sopadilla Bay to Pine Cay for a drink pit-stop, then a return jaunt back to Sopadilla Bay.  What started as "foolish fun" ten years later took a more noble cause when the event began to act as a fundraiser.  To date the regatta has put more than $300,000 back into the community on behalf of chosen charities.  Traditions of locally built sloops, Big Boats, and home made rafts have gained momentum over the years, as has the Tug-O-War competition.  Kids and adults alike are invited to participate in this great beach party; spectators will have plenty to eat, drink, and do regardless of if they are intent on boarding any of the above vessels.  The organizer, David Douglas of the good ship Atebeyra, was quoted this year in the Weekly News, "To be in it's 20th year is an amazing achievement and what this event does so well is bring together people from all corners of the community for a fantastic family day in the sun."  I couldn't agree more, in the sun AND in the sea, that's what you call a great day in the Turks and Caicos Islands!

Another annual summer event is the T.C.S.P.C.A Dog Show.  This year marked it's sixth year of friendly canine competition, welcoming dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds.  This community event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for this amazing organization, who this year will raise funds to extend the outreach programs to provide much needed vet care on the outer islands. 

 The categories include Best Trick, Best Looking Female, Best Looking Male, Most Original Potcake, Looks Most Like Owner, Cutest Tail, Best Time in the Obstacle Course, and Best in Show. This hugely popular fundraiser not only has warm and fuzzy entertainment appeal, but plenty of fun for all ages including face painting, raffle, craft sale, and a surprise appearance.  If you were unable to attend but would like to contribute to the cause, you may make a donation online here.

Handpainted Signage

I hit the ground running back in Turks and Caicos with a large corporate event planned by Tropical DMC for a fantastic repeat client.  This year this group went even bigger and better with four picture perfect evenings for their corporate client guests.  I custom made a few hand painted decor and signage items for the "Fast Eddie's Tiki Bar" night hled at a local venue in Blue Hills.  The beach sign above included the distance from Turks and Caicos to several of the guests home cities.  This is a great idea for weddings and events to bring a real Caribbean look to any given beach.

A couple of dark wood masks were hand painted to go along with the bright and tropical colored surroundings.

And finally an 8' x 5' large mural, custom designed with the group's own logo, was created as a photo back drop and focal point for the event.  

The following evening was hosted at The Estates, an incredibly chic and contemporary look was designed by Teresa Brunner using black, white, red, and damask decor and linens.  She contracted TC Millwork to make these shadowbox table numbers for this event.  These work very well for an outdoor function as they hold enough weight to resist wind and are large enough so guests can clearly read them even in dim ambiance lighting.

The corporate groups final night was certainly a soiree to behold; a superb job to all who made this  Gansevoort event such as smashing success.  To any who would doubt what an event team can accomplish on a small Caribbean island, feast your eyes on these beautiful images by Paradise Photography

Teresa utilized our collection of hand painted  fan corals for the table centerpieces, a nice touch for a beautifully executed ocean theme.  Amazing how much impact a fully draped tent has, transforming any decor from lovely to  gasp aloud stunning.

Huge thanks to Tropical Destination Management Co. for their continued loyal patronage, it is always a pleasure and honor to work with such a great company.

A Day Without Plastic!

Volunteers at the Quality Supermarket downtown; DECR officer Cleveland Harvey, Sandra Shaw, a young helper, and Pattie Ehlir Carlin, passed out over a hundred reusable shopping bags to  the community, including this fantastic bright orange style donated by PPC.

It has finally arrived after months in the making . . . . . A Day Without Plastic!  The tci-environmental-club, as part of our Campaign to Ban Single Use Plastic Bags in the TCI, has successfully held the first ever Turks and Caicos Islands World Environment Day event. The organisers Lynn Robinson, David Stone, Lindsay Mensen, Roland Wojewodzki, Lormeka Williams, Wesley Clerveaux, and myself, could not have accomplished a fraction of the goals without the assistance of so many businesses and generous members of the community.  We would like to thank grace bay resorts, the veranda, provo power company, wiv, grace bay realty, KB-Home-Center, Building Materials, and British West Indies Collegiate for the donation of over 1,000 reusable shopping bags for today's event.

Volunteer Malcolm Ross with IGA management giving away the reusable bags donated by WIV

   We would also like to thank all of the retailers who agreed to refrain from using plastic bags, welcomed our volunteers at their businesses, and let us speak with their patrons for todays event.  And last but certainly not least, we would like to extend our gratitude to all of the individuals who donated their morning to our cause:
Gabrielle, Jessica, and Guillaume at Island Pride Supermarket, Eric Salamanca of the DECR and Malcolm Ross at the graceway iga, Sandra Shaw, Cleveland Harvey, and Pattie Ehlir Carlin at the Quality Supermarket downtown, Will and Laura Leoncilla of challengeyourworld.com, and DECR director Wesley Clerveaux at the Price Club supermarket, Kenol Joseph of the DECR and Joana Vaz Pinto at the Quality Supermarket on Leeward Hwy, Christa Reckhorn of the free press and Kristi Vestal of after 5 Concierge at the KB Home Center, Lyle Schmidek of grace-bay-realty and Teresa Brunner of tropicaldmc at business-solutions, Lynn Robinson and Subrena Pedican at graceway gourmet, and Stacie Steensland of TC Millwork and Lindsay Mensent at do it center provo. 

Our final thanks goes out to big blue unlimited who sponsored the purchase of 18" x 24" aluminum "Shop With Thought" signs that were hung at each of the above establishments by tcmillwork volunteer Stephane Gaudet this morning to remind patrons to use their reusable bags each and every day.  It was a real pleasure to have all of these great businesses and people working side by side today for a common goal.

One of the first shoppers to receive her Building Materials reusable shopping bag.  Way to keep it green Do It Center!

Please take the time this weekend to do something for World Environment Day.  Watch the global W.E.D. map come alive with efforts all over the world here.  Be inspired.  Take action. Love where you live.

Infiniti Catwalk Event at the Somerset

 

Yesterday afternoon the blossoming Provo fashion world took center stage at the chic Somerset Resort.  The Infiniti Catwalk event commenced the highly anticipated 2012 TCI Top Model Contest.  

 

"Envisioned to showcase the beauty and creativity of young aspiring fashion and design talent in the
Turks and Caicos Islands - Organizers of the 2012 TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza have produced our third installment -Carnivalé: Culture. Music. Fashion!"

These young women clearly demonstrated that their preliminary workshops; fashion industry training and etiquette, were well received.  Each and every girl walked the hyper long catwalk, the full diameter of the dramatically extended infinity pool, with poise, flair, and fierce confidence.  The third year running for this event will prove no easier task for the judges.

Left to right participating contestants Vernessa Forbes, Vielka Salvador, Breanna Johnson, Sheldene Pubien, Lashanda Adams, Taciana Bin-Amie, Aaliyha Bain, Frenica Williams, Wahanda Registre, and Trinee Bethel. On Saturday May 12th, these women will strut their stuff once again for the prized title of TCI Top Model 2012, and the incredible opportunities that come with it.

After the TCI Top Model contestants made their stylish exits,  a second line up of long limbed beauties showcased the spring/summer 2012 collection of Mongolian born, Canadian based designer Oyuna Tuyssuzian.  

Her collection featured earth toned, flowy dresses which performed beautifully with the strong breezes Mother Nature donated for the day. 

Oyuna's website states  her "design aesthetic has been shaped by her experiences working in diverse areas in the fashion industry, from designing for the military to tailoring high end designer clothing to working for a major leather company. When she finally decided to create her own label, she sought to use the skills and knowledge acquired throughout her career to make beautifully constructed clothing using quality materials. She believes in flattering a woman’s body through great tailoring and fit, with a focus on silhouette and line. Her clothes are clean, modern and, most importantly, flattering."

These sentiments were certainly evident in this beautifully designed collection brought to life by our local models.  Oyuna (pictured above in cobalt blue) must have been very proud of the talent found locally as well as pleased with the warm reception of the large audience.

 After the show, the local media interviewed a few of the contestants, see wivtc.com to hear what these girls had to say about the competition.

Image from tcitopmodel.com

Be certain to mark your calendars for Saturday May 12th, 7:30pm sharp the doors will open to Williams Auditorium and the future fashion career of one of these young women may well be on it's way!

Discover 2013 Fashion Spread

Last year I was asked by Discover Magazine to write an article for a fashion story for the 2013 issue.  Though not much of a fashionista myself, working with Turks and Caicos Productions for the last seven years has certainly given me a great deal of insight into the fashion world.  I see potential talent here in the Turks & Caicos Islands on a weekly basis so I jumped at the opportunity to help showcase it.  After attending the two assigned events, infiniti-catwalk-event-at-somerset and the TCI Top Model Contest, and interviewing organizer Courtney Robinson, winner Washanda Registre and runner-up Vielka Salvadore, I knew this story deserved a stunning series of photographs to illustrate it.  After weeks of pushing the magazine and brainstorming concepts with Tropical Imaging, we finally had approval to move forward.  Last June I posted my inspiration boards, see them here.

Washanda and Vielka did an incredible job, modeling is not easy!  There is the bright sun/blinding lights you must ublinkingly bear, difficult poses to hold, lightning fast wardrobe changes in sometimes less than ideal locations, and very long work days!  These two handled it like pros, despite their young ages and experience levels.

The beautiful hair and make-up styling is credited to Shenique Higgs and the wardrobe was provided by designers Kazz Forbes of Saint George Fashion House, and Jeritt Jermell of The-House-of-Jeritt, all local talents!  

Is this gorgeous face beginning to look familiar?  Washanda has been working often and is featured in several local campaigns.  She has the sweetest disposition, lovely looks, and is an all around wonderful young woman! She will go far with her unforgettable smile, her great ambition, and her  Wilhemina contract!

I am so very proud of Kazz and his saintgeorgefashionhouse label.  This is another young rising star to keep an eye on.  Not only does his charm, talent, professionalism, and work ethic come across the moment you meet him, his attitude is top notch, a real leader who is always willing to lend a helping hand in the community.

Vielka slays the catwalk every time she steps on it, her strut is really something to see.  When she steps out of the bright lights and sits down for conversation one may be surprised at her down to earth, nearly shy persona, her sense of humor.  She has an incredibly versatile look and photographs beautifully, as you can see above.  All three of these individuals have talent that I hope the wider world gets grasp of.

Please check out the article online or pick up your own copy at local retailers.  Or you may read the full article below:

The Turks and Caicos Islands have been a prized location for fashion shoots for decades; cobalt blue skies, vivid turquoise seas, gently rolling waves lapping onto white sand beaches stretching for miles.  It’s the type of destination art directors dream of, a stunning backdrop for which a fashion collection can instantly be brought to radiant life. Courtney Robinson has viewed TCI as a backdrop to fashion since his youth, literally.  The sole copies of Vogue and GQ which made their way to his native Grand Turk once monthly were the teenager’s prized possessions, inspiring the young man’s passion for fashion and love of drawing and textiles.  Armed with the knowledge granted by being a photographer’s son as well as an unforgettable face that embodied the “exotic” talent trend of the time, this kid from the Caribbean had an upper edge once his feet hit the streets of NY.  By 2009, after stints studying in the fine arts, modeling, and designing, Courtney thought it time to give back to his community and give local aspiring models and designers an opportunity to showcase their talents, and fashion fans an annual show they wouldn’t forget.  

   The premier TCI Top Model contest spawned from a simple desire to bring back the elegance and showmanship of pageantry past and has now grown to the third installment Carnivalé: Culture. Music. Fashion! , a modern, multi-media production created to engage, guaranteed to entertain, and ultimately expected to transport the audience to a glamorous place far beyond the walls surrounding the crowd.  The show itself is an ambitious enough project, but just as a model needs more than a pretty face or a knockout figure to make a name, the show backs it’s single night grandeur by weeks of devoted preparation spent on the contestants, encouraging them to shine their brightest when they step into the lights of the big night and beyond.   This years contestants attended workshops on etiquette, interview skills, spokes model proficiency, networking, fitness and health, as well as fashion industry readiness, all instructed by diverse local experts.  The preparatory training was certainly evident at the highly anticipated pre-event, “Infiniti Catwalk,” held on a blazing sunlit afternoon at the Somerset Resort. Each contestant walked the strikingly long loop around the sleek pool with poise, flair, and fierce confidence.  Each of the ten young women distinguished from her peers thanks to uniquely shaped and tinted summer dresses, chosen to accentuate her particular frame and personality.  After the ten contestants made stylish exits, a second line up of long limbed beauties showcased the spring/summer 2012 collection of Mongolian born, Canadian based designer Oyuna Tuyssuzian. Her collection featured earthy, airy pieces inspired by the diverse landscape of Turks and Caicos, many hand dyed “to achieve the right color and pattern to resemble those found in rocks, stones, tree trunks, sea foam, sunset, ripples on the water.”  The audience was not alone in their applause; Mother Nature herself expressed admiration with robust breezes which incited captivating performances by the garments. The event clearly left the crowd wanting more, many lingered on in hopes of getting closer looks at the contestants, analyzing which girl would win top model.

     The evening of May 12th, the downtown auditorium venue had been transformed into an uptown, urbane coliseum; media and behind the scenes bustling hurriedly about, music pulsing, laser lights sprinting across the elevated front and center 60’ runway.  As impressive as the scene was the poshly dressed crowd; the usual Provo shorts and sandals superseded by lipstick laughs, sparkling jewelry, and row after row of dapper dress shoes and striking stilettos.   The seat to seat mingling halted the moment masquerade dancers leapt onto stage, throwing confetti into the air, energizing the audience.  After an eyeful of sculpted, shiny bodies in festive carnival costumes, the contestants appeared on the catwalk one by one, first in pretty party dresses and loose, wild hair then transitioning, in true runway fast and furious form, to dark denim skinny jeans and white-t’s paired with pumps and jet black pageboy wigs, the perfect accessory to demonstrate the versatility of each girls look.  Local designer Jermell Williams presented his latest House of Jerritt collection.  The all white ensembles were inspired by Greece; slick satins with retro edge, sheer peek-a-boo torsos, and opulent embellishments such as appliqués and ruffled gathers.  An energetic music performance later and the contestants returned to the catwalk in Caribbean colorful swimwear followed by the latest collection by St George Fashion House’s local designer Kazz Forbes.  From daringly slit swimsuits and flirty tailored skirts with cropped jackets, to soft breezy floral chiffons to raven hued decadent evening gowns, the collection offered variety without losing sophistication.  On the final catwalk round, the contestants glowed in shimmering metallic asymmetrical accordion gowns and chunky gold jewelry.  Though they all looked like goddesses standing side by side, 5’10” almond eyed beauty Washanda Registre conquered the competition, winning the top prize valued at over $12,000.  She and runner up, leggy and classicly alluring Vielka Salvadore, succeeded in catching the trained eye of judges; top scouts from Wilhemina Models and Q Management from New York.  As the show was closing, the door was opening for these young women.  

     The well spoken Washanda, born in Grand Turk but raised in North Caicos, says it has been her family and friends who have inspired and encouraged her interest in modeling.  Her clear determination, positive attitude, and graceful demeanor complete her charm.  She aspires that modeling will someday see her working in Italy and gracing the pages of Vogue magazine but for now “my goals are just to put my best foot forward and keep my head held high, not forgetting where I came from.”  Color loving Vielka, known amongst her peers as “Blondie” spoke candidly about running and ducking from the camera as a young girl.  Born in the Dominican Republic but raised in Providenciales since the age of three, her family and friends have strived to push the once shy girl into the spotlight.  When asked about her killer catwalk she muses that it comes naturally; “it’s easy. Just stretch your legs!”  She hopes to one day find herself in Paris, walking the runway for Alexander McQueen.  Despite their differences, both young women agree that this experience has been incredibly helpful in gaining confidence and insight, both into themselves, and into the challenging and exciting wide world of fashion. Washanda described one heartfelt moment before winning the title, “I could remember backstage at the show, Courtney saying ‘you are goddesses now, and the cameras are all on you so go out there and do your best and don’t forget that you can never . . . . (emotional pause, deep breath) “sorry”, ‘don’t forget that you can never fail.’ ” 

Weekend Worthy Causes

Image via guardian

This weekend is full of fab events supporting great causes.  Firstly the Ladies Hat Luncheon at the beautiful Regent Palms Resort.  Tickets are $75 and include champagne and Pimm's cocktails, lunch, couture hat fashion show, and live and silent auction.  All proceeds go towards new classroom space for the Holy Family Academy Mission School.

The brand new Giggles is celebrating their second location with a fundraiser for Enid Capron Primary School.  Please stop by and grab a giggler anytime from 9am to 3pm!

On Sunday, "the 6th Annual Windvibes Kiteboarding Tournament and Beach Party will be held on Long Bay beach near the Shore Club. This year's event is presented by Big Blue Unlimited. The wide array of events will encompass many of the Turks and Caicos's sports including kiteboarding, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and swimming with Race for the Conch. All proceeds from the stand up paddleboarding races will go to the TCSPCA. Less competitive events will include log throwing, a flipper race, potato sack race, and kite pumping competitions. You don't need to be a kiteboarder to get involved!

Pre registration is required for kiteboarding, kayaking, swimming and stand up paddleboarding races. Space is limited. Reserve your place now!

Check out facebook.com/windvibes

Contact 342-2941 for more info"

Info via enews

   Above images via hopelevin

Support your local kiteboarding and watersports community, the amazing young lady who pours her heart and soul into planning and organizing this event year after year, and the tcspca, this beach party is not to be missed!

Volunteer in Turks and Caicos!

TCI Environmental Club table and poster, artwork provided by art class students of the ECGYC, followed by the Red Cross, the TCSPCA, and other tables.  Please click here to watch the ptv 8 media coverage of the event at the 3:40min mark.  Our interview at the 4:40min mark

Great live performance by the Enid Capron Primary Students

All images by PepperKeyStacie

 On Saturday April 9th, the first Turks and Caicos Volunteer Fair took place at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex located in downtown Providenciales.  The fair was organized by Magnetic Media, whose primary goal was to gain 500 new volunteers to support local organizational efforts.  The over 40 groups that participated included civil, community, church, even athletic organizations.  I was fortunate to participate on behalf of the TCI Environmental Club, and saw for myself what a fantastic turnout and success the event turned out to be.  I volunteer regularly at the Edward C. Gartland Youth Center and try to help out as much as I can with Potcake Place and the tcspca, and still had no idea just how many great and deserving groups and clubs are operating in our little country with big hearts!  I would encourage every single person, whether Turks and Caicos Islanders, full time residents, part-time residents, visitors, young or old!, please take some time to make Turks and Caicos a better place.  Listed below are all the participants, please contact any of the below to get involved in your organization(s) of choice:
 
ORGANIZATION NAME CONTACT NAME PHONE EMAIL


100 Black Man Of The TCI Art Forbes 231-1220 A-forbes99@yahoo.com
Baseball Pastor Bradley Handfield 232-1970 pastorb@tciway.com
Bethany Brotherhood
Brownies Gertrude Forbes 231-4307
Cancer Foundation Marilyn Forbes 231-2629 Mil_forbes@live.com
CAPAA Winsome Fearon 244-2693 Searsom2003@yahoo.com
Civil Servant Association Rufus Ewing 231-3063 docrewing@gmail.com
Community Care Access Association Sandy Elder 241-1307 nobody@tciway.tc
Community Fellowship Centre Bennett Thomas 941-3484
Cricket Association Michael Pureora 331-3607 Angelique@tciway.tc
Diabetes Foundation Elaine Clare 241-7601 btcnurse@grp.sandals.com
Disaster Management Jamell Robinson 231-0177 jamelrob@hotmail.com
Drug Foundation Gerilane Rigby igrigby@hotmail.com
Edward Gartland Youth Center Roxanne Wake-Forbes 331-9602 rwakeforbes@hotmail.com
Emergency Medical Services Patrick Riel 331-8193 tciems@hotmail.com
Girls Guide Gertrude Forbes 231-4307
Health and Social Service
Heart Foundation Karen Malcolm 247-3269 Karen@bmaterials.tc
Interact Carl Isaac 232-7509 islandtwin@hotmail.com
Kidney Foundation Claude Swann 242-3883
Kiwanis Stanley Taylor 231-0496 Taylor_489@hotmail.com
Mary Kay Connection/ Lady Bug Melanie Smith 431-2049 Melanie.smith@islandcom.tc
National Aids Program Aldora Robinson 331-1426 aldorarobinson@hotmail.com
National Cancer Society Lucille Lightbourne 231-4374 glightbourne@yahoo.com
National Youth Hotline Tiffney Ellis 242-9196 tiffneyellis@yahoo.com
Native Man Fellowship Bill Grant 341-6242 bonefishprovo@tciway.tc
Pot cake Foundation Susan Blehr 231-3052 tcspca@tciway.tc
Provo Amateur Basketball Association Sydwell Glasgow 244-9508 Sydwell_g@yahoo.com
Provo Chamber Of Commerce Tina Fenimore 232-6418 tinafenimore@gmail.com
Provo Children Home Almartha Thomas 243-3205 Almartha@pch.tc
Rapport Hezron Henry 941-4984 Hezronhenry974@hotmail.com
Red Cross Julia Brothwell 244-0318 Jbrothwell@redcross.org.uk
Rotaract Nicquell Garland 244-2330 Serendipity_22@msn.com
Rotary Art Forbes 232-1220 A_forbes99@yahoo.com
Salvation Army Matthew Trayler 431-9711 Matthew_trayler@car.salvationarmy.org
Seven Day Adventist Judith Robinson 231-2950
Star Foundation Roger Harvey 333-3999 info@tandcstarfoundation.org
TCI Aids Awareness Foundation Jeannie Savory 231-1150 info@aidsaeareness.tc
TCI Environmental Club Stacie Steensland 242-8209 stacietcmillwork@tciway.tc
TCI Sports Commission Darian Forbes 242-6246 darianforbes@hotmail.com
TCI Tennis Foundation Art Forbes 232-1220 A_forbes99@yahoo.com
TCI Volunteer Fire Department Aubrey Felix 231-9904 Felix_aubrey@yahoo.com
TCSPCA Susan Blehr 231-3052 tcspca@tciway.tc
Youth Department Angela Forbes 331-4892 Angela.musgrove@tciyouthdepartment.com

Special thanks to two young ladies, Jada and Adriana, who spoke to me for quite some time about their impressive knowledge of taking care of the planet.  Both  9 years old, these two brought the most encouraging words to our table; "we promise to take care of the environment Stacie!" they proclaimed enthusiastically as they skipped off hand in hand to visit the other tables.  When you volunteer, moments like those make it all worthwhile.

Thursday Night Island Fish Fry

Image by Brilliant via turksandcaicostourism

Thursday nights from 5:30-9:30pm enjoy a little local food, fun, and entertainment!  The Bight Park located on Lower Bight Road will be hosting this weekly event sponsored by LIME, the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, and the Cultural Department.  Please check out a fabulous review and photos from the opening night here and see enews for the participating restaurants and more details.

 It's a family affair so bring everyone to enjoy this exciting new tradition at this fantastic public park!

Happy Father's Day!

As I mentioned in the last post, big changes have been on our horizon for the last couple of months.  Last Thursday, the giant event we had been waiting 40 weeks for . . . our baby's arrival!   We are incredibly thankful and feel tremendously blessed that we now have a perfectly healthy and thriving squirmy little bundle to hold in our arms.  We had a welcome party, our island family, bring us dinner and well wishes last night at our new place and it has been such fun to introduce her to her far away family via skype this afternoon.   Here is daddy on the video call to grandma and Aunt Nancy in Montreal.

Melts my heart!   My love, you are going to be the best dad!  I trust that our next decade as a family will somehow be even more amazing than our journey together as partners over the last.  I would wish you a Happy First Father's Day but I know you have already have had it, I see the joy written all over your handsome face.

Image by Chanelle Segerius-Bruce of Brilliant

Now that I have officially kissed that baby bump/belly goodbye, I'll share these beautiful maternity photos that my dear friend, and new mommy herself, Chanelle took of us just before we passed the golden keys to our beloved Fleur de Lys Villa to the new owners.  Please visit the adorable ontobaby blog to see the full spread!

2012 Turks & Caicos Conch Festival

The Turks and Caicos Conch Festival celebrated it's 9th year in beautiful Blue Hills last Saturday. 

The crowds gather around the front stage for the conch blowing and conch knocking competitions.

 The highlight of the afternoon is always the " ‘conch-etition' which pits the island's best chefs against each other in a hotly-contested tasting competition judged by a panel of experts as well as the Festival attendees. Categories include Best Conch Salad, Best Conch Chowder, Best Specialty Conch and Best in Show. "

Micah, a friend from high school, came all the way from Austin, TX to spend Thanksgiving weekend in the Turks and Caicos and finally experience a relaxing holiday at Fleur de Lys.  She and Teresa  are pictured all smiles while enjoying the festival.

A local bartender entertains with his impressive balancing and dancing skills.

Just after sunset the We Funk Junkanoo Band took to the street party by storm.  This event lets Turks and Caicos traditions shine, be sure not to miss next 2013's 10 year celebration, sure to be the biggest and best yet!