The Caribbean American Funday committee, the Guyana American Heritage Foundation, and Assemblywoman Britnee N. Timberlake, will present the 12th Annual Caribbean Family Funday on Sunday, July 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Monte Irving Orange Park in East Orange, New Jersey.

A bus excursion organized by Lady Ira Lewis will transport picknickers for a fee of $50.00 return from the corner of Utica and Snyder Avenues to Orange Park, leaving at 11 a.m. For more information, call Elliemae 347-528-1304, or Lady Ira- 973-951-9898.

The largest Caribbean family fun day in the Garden State, that attracted a massive crowd when it returned last year after being sidelined by COVID-19, is once again expected to pack the grounds with family picnic tents,

food, and friendly competition, during the all-day event.

Special activities such as athletic field races, sack races, Tug-of-war, a Spelling Bee competition, and presentation of medals and trophies, prizes, and giveaways, are on the program.

President of the (CFFDC) Lady Ira Lewis, who serves as executive legislative aide at New Jersey Assembly Democrats, told Caribbean Life that an exciting cultural presentation, and Caribbean concert featuring Reggae singer Irie, in addition to a slew of calypso, soca, and deejay music will take center stage for a fun-filled presentation. Popular Guyanese rapper, Natural Black will be receiving the Guyana Hall of Fame Award.

She said no alcohol or open grilling will be allowed in the park. These restrictions will be enforced. A fee of $25.00 will be charged for cleanup after the day’s festivities.

The organization has also forged a partnership with the Mayor of  Orange County, Dwayne Warren and has collaborated with Michael Campbell and Robert Haley of the Linden Fund, while energy giant PSE&G, and other local businesses will provide sponsorship.

The Caribbean American Family Fun Day Committee (CAFFDC) was founded by Lady Ira Lewis in 2011, and according to her, the first person she called was Jay Mingo, who became the co-founder. The Committee was joined by several concerned community-minded individuals and groups, including Elijah Gordon, Patrick Reid, Sadie Richards, Donna Marshall, CAUSE, and the Caribbean Cricket Club, to name a few.

The Family Fun Day event attracts residents throughout Essex County, New Jersey. New York and several other state and counties.  This event allows families to come together to enjoy games, food, great music, and festivities in the company of other families in an inviting environment.

CAFFDC is a nonprofit organization that serves to enrich, upkeep, and teach its culture to youth so they will be able to interact in a positive way in the United States after migrating from the Caribbean. The organization’s goal is to advance youth from diverse origins in various areas of need.

The Caribbean American Family Fun Day Committee has been involved in voluntary service for several years.

Committee members are, Founder, President, and CEO Lady Ira Lewis, Co-Founder Jay Mingo, Vice President Brenda Telford; Treasurer Donna Marshall; Conrad McPherson; Executive Secretary Janet Mitchell, Public Relations Coordinators Sherwin Lewis, Sr. Marking Director Collett Boston; Executive Committee Members Sadie Richards, Patrick Reid, Elijah Gordon, and others.