like jerk alligator, frog legs, rattlesnake, kangaroo, and shark. Voted one of the top one hundred festivals since 2011 by Festival Events Ontario, JerkFest is the place to be August 9 – 10 at Centennial Park.

JerkFest 2014 is about more than just great food; it also features fun for the whole family with an abundance of awesome performances, competitions, and prizes. Kids can get creative in the Kids Zone with face painting, balloon characters, and inflatable rides while adults can eat, drink, listen to music, or compete in one of the many events and workshops. After thirteen years, this celebration of food and music continues to be a favourite summer event.

If you’re a jerk connoisseur with a flare for cooking, “The Grace So You Think You Can Jerk Competition” is your chance to prove your superior jerk seasoning skills. With the spices, the chicken, and the tools provided, it’ll be the hottest cook off of the century! Also available for those interested in the art of jerk cuisine, is “The Grace Jerk Chicken Seasoning Workshop” taught by renowned chef Selwyn Richards, author of “The Art of Cooking: Soul of the Caribbean” and after completing the workshop, visit the Grace booth to buy your sauces and spices.

“Every person thinks they can make the meanest jerk, so we put it to the test,” says Anthony Plummer, creator of JerkFest.

If cooking is not your forte, you’ll want to fill your belly with the best that jerk has to offer in “The Grace Jerk Chicken Eating Contest” or race against your peers in the “Don’t Jerk That Spoon,” competition presented by Western Union where competitors run from one point to the next while balancing chicken on a spoon, without dropping the chicken. Of course, JerkFest wouldn’t be complete without a Domino Challenge also brought to you by Western Union. Practice slamming those dominoes as this year’s winner walks away with $700.00 in cash and trophies.

After you work up a sweat, ease the competitive edge with the melodic sounds of this year’s main band, Fab 5, who is playing their first free concert in Toronto. Also enjoy popular performers like Pan Fantasy, Destiny Band, Ekhaya Band, Spice Island, Caribbean Youth Dancers, Jaeshin Blaze, Jr. Whisper, CPhillz, Spice Island Performers, Dj Ms.Boom, and the Chutney Dancers, all of which will be hitting the stage.

This year JerkFest has partnered with Grace as well as local community groups. In support of the Knights Table of Brampton, JerkFest will be hosting a food drive and is asking for donations of non-perishable food items. All patrons who donate will qualify for a 3 night stay in Negril Jamaica at Travels Beach Resort, courtesy of Caribbean Promotions Art and Culture Inc.

Also, when you donate two dollars at the gate, you will receive tickets to qualify for chances to win prizes, giveaways, and vacations. To give you more for less, JerkFest has introduced a merchandise pack including tickets for food and drinks, a t-shirt, sunglasses, and a tote bag for $30.00 when you present a coupon. Coupons can be found on http://www.jerkfestival.ca/. Without a coupon the pack is $40.00. Buy a merchandise package and save money, as the average meal at jerk fest is $10.00. Patrons who purchase the pack are automatically entered for a chance to win an all-inclusive 3 nights and 4 days stay at Sunset Beach Resort.

Finally, get rewarded for looking good at JerkFest with the “Rockin’ in Style,” selfie challenge. Submit your selfie on the JerkFest website dressed in your JerkFest t-shirt and sunglasses and automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Orlando, flights and tickets are included to the theme park.