Chokha Festival

           

The scenic San Fernando Hills was the place to be on Saturday 06^th September 2014, when the Rotary Club of Princes Town Trinidad and Tobago hosted its 21^st annual Chokha Festival to the delight of the many patrons who attended the event. 

 

From early afternoon patrons dressed in elegant casual wear were streaming into the radiantly sunlit venue, charging the atmosphere with excitement and what an evening of excitement they experienced!

 

The festival lived up to its solidly earned reputation over the years of providing tasty irresistible chokha dishes served with an assortment of hot sada rotis and the ever-delicious fry bake made on site by Vio and her team.  There was a continuous flow of guests being served at the serving stations by dedicated Rotarians and their Partners in Service after which they occupied their chosen seats set up on the beautifully kept grounds or on the veranda of the building which affords panoramic sea views of the Gulf of Paria. 

 

President Jamir Ousman opened the evening’s festivities which were highlighted by the live performance of “Samsara D Band” which was in attendance as its lead singers Narindra Raghubir, Darius Balgobin, Devika Ram and Quincy Chadee belted out lively renditions of soca, classic soca, alternative and chutney music.  Guest performer Reshma “Silk” Ramlal brought patrons to their feet, connecting with the patrons on the ground.   

 

Patrons initially timid abandoned their reserve and showed their appreciation for the Band’s professional and infectious rendition of popular hit after hit and the only sign of the passage of time was the failing light as the Band performed through the goodwill of its Director Mala Bholasingh and to the thrill of patrons beyond sunset as the evening faded away. 

 

The Club wishes to thank its generous sponsors Flavourite Foods Ltd. for providing their ice cream products and a Peppy themed bouncy castle for the kids in attendance who had a fantastic time, Kiss Baking Company Ltd. for its beautifully made and delicious cakes which formed part of an excellent array of desserts and Raani Saada Roti for their assortment of Rotis. 

 

The Club thanks the Management and staff of the San Fernando Hill and the Forestry Division for the use of the venue.

 

The Club also thanks its army of dedicated Rotarians and their spouses who worked tirelessly towards serving its many guests, specially thanks its Club Administration Director Rishi Ramlogan for co-ordinating all aspects of the festival and thanks too its Rotarians who provided dishes and assisted with ensuring the event was an outstanding success to the enjoyment of all who attended. 

 

The Club thanks as well the many patrons of the festival including Rotarians from other Clubs for making it possible for the Club to achieve its goal of assisting in providing Tertiary level scholarships to deserving students towards defraying the expenses associated with their University Education.

 

Next year’s festival would require something more to maintain and exceed the lofty heights of this year’s festival, a challenge which the Club warmly accepts.

 

Debbie Roopchand 

Press Office 

685-4677