THE Emancipation Village Fair at the National Park on August 1 has always been a resounding success, and this can be attributed, in no small measure to the hard work, dedication and selfless sacrifice of the hundreds of keenly enthusiastic stallholders who, each year, regardless of the weather, proudly come out to ply their trade.

For weeks leading up to Emancipation Day, Guyanese from all walks of life can be seen engaged in activities in preparation for the hosting of a really successful Emancipation Village Fair which in effect, is the centre of

attraction on that day. The African Village is usually set up on the Rugby Park aback the National Park.
That day is characterised by a hive of activities in the National Park, with a wide range of colourful and scintillating items of craft, uniquely designed and attractively displayed, all being offered for sale. This magnificent showcasing of rich culture and artistry includes: leather-craft, footwear, bracelets, handbags, necklaces, ornaments, memorabilia, picture frames – toys – you name it. There are also educational material, beautifully designed clothing of very high quality.
And on such a day, the National Park is transformed into what could be likened to a scene from Africa, with families – regardless of ethnicity, all coming together with one accord, beautifully bedecked in the most gorgeous of African attire. There are choiced African outfits of colourful vintage – from the most elaborate of gowns and turbans to perhaps a simple dashiki, but each wearing them with pride.

But most inviting and much sought after are the food stands. On these are offered for sale: irresistible, mouth watering dishes, tickling to the taste buds and leaving a lasting impression on the mind. Dishes include delectable African cuisine such as metagee, foo-foo with hot pepper-pot, black and white pudding, cook-up rice, conkee, pumpkin/cassava pone,souse, bush tea, mauby and other fruit juices. There are also less traditional dishes such as chicken cooked in various forms and flavours; bakery products such as black cake, salara, buns and sponge cakes.
And so popular have these food stands become that many people on Emancipation Day prefer not to have lunch at home, but have their fill at what have come to be well established African cuisine stands at the fair.
One such food stand, popular and well established over the years, is owned by Ms. Yvonne Pierre of Stanleytown, Number 2 Canal, West Bank Demerara.

With the help of three of her daughters: Yonette, Tabby, and Roxanne, Yvonne has been setting up African Cuisine Shop at the National Park every Emancipation Day, religiously for the last ten years, and has come to be a very reliable supplier and provider of finger-licking foods. She offers for sale: Metagee, cook-up rice, black and white pudding, conkie, pone, mauby, ginger-beer and fish cake.
Her daughter, Yonette who, along with her friend Michelle became a member of the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA), participated in and won the association’s Metagee Competition in 2003. By 2005 Yonette had set up her own food shop, into which she incorporated the family – her mother and two of her sisters.

The three sisters are all teachers, but are doing very well also, in the food business, and do not for one minute regret their participation in Emancipation Village. In fact, it is something to which they eagerly look forward every year, and are proud to be a part of the celebrations.
Sharing their experience about preparing for the big day, Yvonne who has become dubbed a ‘Conkie Queen’ related with excitement, the long hours of preparation of the various dishes, working throughout the night, leading up to the start of the Emancipation Village Fair. Then on Emancipation Day they’d get up very early, pack their boxes, pans and buckets and set out for the park. By 07:00hrs they’re ready

to set up tent, so as to be able to start selling breakfast by 07:30hrs.
However, their one disappointment this year was that the bridge was closed to traffic early in the morning (on Emancipation Day), so that persons crossing the bridge to come to Georgetown were stuck and could not get to across until late. As a result the tents were erected late and they never got going until about 11:00hrs away past breakfast

hour.

(By Shirley Thomas)