New parking arrangements for Blue Food Festival

The Tobago Blue Food Festival, an annual celebration of the island’s culinary heritage, is poised to commence on October 19 at the Bloody Bay Recreation Ground. Kern Cown, CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission Ltd (TFCL), unveiled the preparations during a press conference at the Office of the Chief Secretary in Scarborough on October 16. Addressing past logistical challenges, particularly concerning shuttle services and parking, Cown emphasized the commission’s commitment to enhancing the patron experience. Six designated parking zones have been established to accommodate festival-goers, with Parking Zone A located within the venue on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking facilities include the Bloody Bay Beach Facility, Carrington Lot, Parlatuvier Community Centre, Parlatuvier Primary School, and the Cyd Gray Complex in Roxborough. Parking will open at 8 am, complemented by shuttle services starting at 9 am. A premium shuttle service from Market Square in Scarborough will depart at 10 am and 10:30 am, while the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) will offer a paid shuttle at noon. The festival promises a vibrant lineup of activities, including a petting zoo, children’s corner, arts and crafts section, food court, and live entertainment. Renowned artists Farmer Nappy and Shurwayne Winchester are set to headline the event, alongside local performers. The festival, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024, was established in 1998 to honor the versatility of dasheen, a staple root crop in Tobago’s cuisine.