THE Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival was held for the third straight year at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York, last Sunday.

It attracted a crowd of 15,000.

Lovers of jerked food (different ages and nationalities) packed the venue, savouring the menus of numerous vendors.

There were cultural activities and a live show featuring Shaggy, Christopher Martin, Maxi Priest and Gyptian. The latter was presented with a gold plaque for his song Hold Yuh, which sold over 500,000 copies.

In the Celebrity Jerk Cook-Off, New York City public advocate Bill de Blasio nipped actor Leon Robinson of Cool Runnings fame.

Chef Brian Lumley was selected Chef of the Year.

Sukanta Jerk Hut won for Best Jerk Chicken, walking away with the coveted Dutch Pot and $500. The Silver Dutch Pot and $200 went to Boston Jerk City Restaurant, while Porty Jerk Flavors was third, copping the Bronze Dutch Pot and $100.

The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival was co-produced by Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc and VP Records.