SUNDAY’S staging of the 2nd annual curry festival in Westmoreland was undoubtedly more successful than last year’s inaugural event.

It attracted well over 5,000 patrons, which festival chairman, Norman Reid said represented a 50 per cent increase in patronage over last year.

In addition Observer sources said the festival had netted in excess of $700,000 in proceeds from the gate alone, making it one of the most highly supported events in the parish.

At the festival, which was staged on the grounds of the Manning’s School last Sunday, excited patrons toured the various booths and wetted their appetites with the various curried offerings on display.

Westmoreland is known for its large Indian population and it, therefore, came as little surprise that there was a wide array of curried dishes on display.

Among the numerous offerings were:

* curried dasheen;

* curried steam vegetables;

* curried jackfruit;

* curried fish;

* curried fruit cake;

* curried patties; and

* curried cheesecake.

There was even curried ackee and salt fish, curried bread, curried rum and curried gizzadas in addition to the regular curried dishes of chicken, conch, shrimps, crab, roti and mutton.

Meanwhile, principal of the Manning’s School, Bonitto White, is already looking forward to the donation that will flow in from the festival.

According to White, the money will go toward improving security at that school.

At present, students are able to sneak off the property during school hours while outsiders are able to make their way onto the compound because of inadequate fencing.

“Manning’s has a large compound and it will cost in excess of $5 million to fence the property. We trust that the curry festival will give us enough money so we can start with the back areas. We will then use other fundraising to do the rest,” White said.

Last year the school received $650,000, which was used to offset the expenses of its sewage system.

The Women’s Centre in the area also received a donation last year.