Organizers of a planned new heritage market in West Bay are hosting two traditional music events and “old-time get-togethers” to help promote the venue.
West Bayers are working on opening the new craft market at the district’s Heritage Field next to the Ed Bush playing field, which will include handcrafted pieces from local artisans and a unique taste of local foods, as well as a focus on history and folklore.
Volunteers on the West Bay Market Committee and the West Bay Environment Committee are working together on the initiative, which seeks to help people in their district and to promote West Bay as a destination in itself, while pushing Caymanian culture to the forefront.
Organizers say the market will provide a place where tourists can meet and talk with “born Caymanians” and purchase items made in Cayman.
To help the project along, the committee is hosting “Music under the Stars” at Heritage Park on Sept. 27, and Oct. 25. There will be a live band, old-time games, baby competitions, fashion shows and a craft and arts display. There is no charge at the events.
Cadion Ebanks, chairman of the West Bay Market Committee, said in years gone by, Caymanians looked forward to garden parties held New Year’s Day and get-togethers. “We want to bring back that same Caymanian culture that highlights the friendship, hospitality and heritage by rejuvenating Cayman’s past,” he said.
According to Mr. Ebanks, the committee is still negotiating with the cruise lines through the Department of Tourism, which is assisting the initiative. “As soon as that materializes, we will be up and running,” he said.
“We have been granted the full use of the Heritage Park. The market will provide whatever Caymanians survived on long ago – food, craft, music and old-time games. Imports will be forbidden; everything will be made in [Cayman] and by Caymanians [only] – that is my aim.”
He said there are many Caymanian artists who are not practicing their art because they have nowhere to sell their wares, so the market would provide them an opportunity and venue to do so.
Initially, he said, the “Bayers Market” will be open on days when cruise ships are in port. After that, Mr. Ebanks said, the committee hopes to extend opening days to accommodate stay-over tourists and locals if the market is well supported.
The committee also hopes the Bayers Market will draw Caymanians back to their heritage and serve as a location where tourists and visitors can stop and shop and meet Caymanians who can share the history and heritage of the Cayman Islands.
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