The 21st Annual International Culture Wine and Food Festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23, 2016 at the Botanical Gardens despite the passing of Hurricane Matthew a mere two weeks ago. According to Janet Johnson, Chairman, ICWFF, the organizers canvassed the vendors as to their readiness for this year's event after the Hurricane and there was an overwhelming decision by the booth holders to proceed.

"We've put many months into planning a wonderful weekend for the public and this is just a testament to the commitment and resilience of our booth holders. We also think it will be good for people to get out and socialize and experience the Festival after passing through such a traumatic event," Ms. Johnson said.

As the exclusive bank of the Festival BOB - Bank of The Bahamas Limited will once again provide a cashless environment for the two-day event that celebrates the rich diversity of cultures resident within The Bahamas.

“We have an excited team of more than 80 employees working the Festival this weekend representing all levels of staff,” said Dominique Thompson, Marketing Manager, BOB. "Our enthusiasm level is high and we are looking forward to providing excellent service and ensuring an efficient cashless system for the event,” she said.

Thanks to BOB’s contribution to the ICF well over 100 vendors from countries around the world will be able to transact business securely without having to worry about keeping large amounts of cash on hand. BOB’s Junkanoo festival dollars are the sole currency for the Festival and these can only be obtained at BOB banks on the Festival grounds.

This year’s cultural festival will feature culinary delights from countries like Italy, Greece, Ethiopia, Mexico, India, China and Egypt, with the Philippines as this year's spotlight country. For the first time this year The Bahamas section will have its own stage and a new position on the North Lawn and festival goers will also experience expanded Caribbean participation, a wine and beer garden and other refreshing new features according to Sheila Bethel, Marketing Director, ICWFF.

While the wide array of International foods and delicacies tends to be the main draw of the Festival, Ms. Bethel says patrons can also expect to enjoy a great concert from The Bahamas' own Visage on Saturday night from 6pm-8pm, in addition to exciting cultural performances from other featured countries throughout the weekend.

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Photo Caption

ICWFF PARTNERS READY TO GO –– BOB - Bank of The Bahamas Limited, the exclusive Bank of the International Culture Wine and Food Festival, will provide a cashless environment for this weekend’s event. Pictured above: Alan Sweeting, General Manager, Jet Blue, presenting sponsor, ICWFF; Sheila Bethel, Marketing Director, ICWFF; Janet Johnson, Chairman, ICWFF; Dominique Thompson, Marketing Manager, BOB; and Gershan Major, Director ICWFF.