FREETOWN, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – All roads led to East Grand Bahama on Monday, May 29, as the Freetown Heritage Fire and Hearth Festival was held for the first time since Hurricane Dorian ravaged the island, especially East Grand Bahama, in September 2019.

Historically held on the Whit Monday holiday, the event was also held at a new venue known as the Freetown Independence and Heritage Festival Site which has been described as the new event venue in the East as it not only sits on the waterfront, but beachfront as well. While the previous site was also a waterfront venue, there was no beach.

Officially opening the festival was Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey who congratulated the residents and added that they have shown their strength and resilience by rebuilding what was destroyed by the massive hurricane.

Residents and visitors were not disappointed with all that was being offered: From popular Bahamian dinners to desserts, people could be seen all over the venue eating, playing one of the many games available, laughing, talking or drinking some of the refreshing lemonade also on sale.

Among the featured activities were the Fire Hearth Cooking Competition, Onion Peeling Competition, Watermelon Eating Competition, Washboard Competition, and the Golden Oldies Dance Competition.

There was also balloon pop, bingo, hoopla, and other popular activities.