It has been one of the most anticipated events on the calendar for 69 years, and in year 70, it's still going strong, as the annual Red Cross Fair offers something for everyone. The fair which is held on the Lower Gardens of the Government House Grounds on Saturday, March 3, is considered the hallmark of true family fun.
At the fair, you can get your fill of the tastiest delicacies like conch salad, conch fritters, crab and rice and fried fish to treats like cotton candy, hotdogs, hamburgers and ice cream. This year, Domino's Pizza and Bamboo Shack will also hawk their wares from stalls at this iconic fair. The Chinese, Filipinos and Jamaicans will also sell food from their countries for people that just want something a little different. Of course, tarts, cakes, cookies and duffs of all sorts are always the order of the day when it's a Bahamian affair.
Eating is only half of the fun. With activities like hoopla, dominoes for those people that just love to slap the ivories, punch board and grab bags holding hidden prizes and the chance to shoot hoops, there is an activity for everyone.
To keep the little ones happy, an elaborate kiddie's corner will be set up. There they can engage in arts and crafts, a treasure hunt, blow up balloons, karaoke, get their faces painted and enjoy the puppet shows. A haunted house and rides like Dixie Twister, Rock Wall and Super Slide will make the older kids happier.
For the fickle teens and the young-at-heart, a "young people's disco" with DJ Fines will also be another big highlight of the evening as it has been in years past.
With displays of crafts, books, plants and other things, the Red Cross Fair will have it all. Even the chance to check up on your health, with nurses doing free blood pressure and glucose level checks throughout the day.
And of course, a Bahamian affair would not be complete with musical entertainment. The Police Pop Band and Prison Pop Band, Dillion McKenzie and Terez Hepburn will light up the fair as only Bahamian musicians can. And a rushout by the Shell Saxon Superstars will simply seal the deal.
"No one will be left out. This is truly the perfect family occasion," said Pauline Allen-Dean, the fair's chairperson who said there will be no end to the amount of fun and entertainment that will be available this weekend.
In an effort to make the Red Cross Fair a truly Bahamian affair, it is being held this year under the theme "Celebrating Our Family of Islands Together for Humanity", which will not just serve as the theme for the event, but also act as a source of creativity for the annual booth decoration competition. All booths are encouraged to choose a Family Island and design their booth to complement the things that island is famous for.
"We want this year's fair to be a true representation of The Bahamas," said Allen-Dean. "We wanted to pay homage to the Red Cross posts throughout the islands, as well as show thankfulness for those who send us supplies to keep this fair going annually. They may not be coming, but the stations and concerned individuals send things for us because they know it will be a big help to make this event a success."
Shannise Nairn, 34, is excited to attend the event which has been her family's tradition to attend since she was a toddler. She couldn't imagine not attending the fair.
"The Red Cross Fair is the 'it' thing for me and my family. It is so much fun and I have been attending it since I was a child. This is something my grandmother remembers attending and taking my mom and uncles to. She tells me stories about it and every year she still goes out to it even though she's in a wheelchair now. This is a true Bahamian tradition and people need to come out. It's not only fun, but it's the great way to give back to the community at large since the funds from the fair go to the Red Cross at the end of the day."

Red Cross Fair
When: Saturday, March 3
Where: Lower Gardens, Government House Grounds
Time: 12 noon - until
Admission: $2 adults, $1 children

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