First Annual Mango Fair held at the Botanic Park!
The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park held it’s first Annual Mango Fair on Saturday, July 1. A concept spearheaded by the Tourism Attraction Board with the aim to expand on the existing annual tree sale to create a new family-oriented community event. It was a celebration of mango season, community spirit and the delicious products that can be made from the king of fruits!
“It was a beautiful and serene event that showcased local vendors, delicious mango products and the stunning nature that abounds the Botanic Park. In a way, the event served to remind us that we have a little oasis of serenity here in Cayman that we can go to anytime to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.” – Shayma Hamdi, Marketing Coordinator, Tourism Attraction Board
“We were delighted to host Mango Mania at the Botanic Park for the first time this year. The ability to introduce new varieties of mango - the ‘King of Fruits’ - to the island only benefits future generations of mango lovers, as well as having lots of mango induced food and drinks made the Botanic Park the place to be this Saturday.” – John Lawrus, General Manager, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.
There was a large mango tree sale with over 25 varieties of mango, mango cocktails, candles, tarts, body butter, a variety of individual mangoes, mango curry, BBQ mango chicken, pepper jellies and mango hot sauces, to name a few. There was also facepainting and some kids activities.
Guests were able to bring their food and drinks into the Park at discounted resident rates, and relax by the Pond, the Colour Garden, or explore the newly renovated Rankine Heritage House.
Ms. Zelmalee from Willie’s Fresh Fruit & Veg sold out of mango smoothies, and Vera’s mango curry was a rare treat.
“I am pleased that the Botanic Park was able to host the inaugural “Mango Mania” event - the hybrid of the ever popular “Mango Tree Plant Sale” and the newly established “Mango Fair & Fest”. We anticipate that this will become one of the signature events on the Cayman Islands events calendar and I was happy to see the community come out to support it. The team at the Park has done a tremendous job in organizing this event and I am confident that it will continue to grow.” – Patrick Thompson, Director, Tourism Attraction Board.
The main event was from 9AM – 1PM, and was located outside the Visitor Centre.
Discounted admission to the Botanic Park was extended to all visitors for the day, at CI$5 for adults, and FREE for kids under 12 and seniors over 60.
The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, an attraction managed by the Tourism Attraction Board, is open Monday to Sunday from 9:00AM to 5:30PM. Spanning over 60 acres of tropical landscape, the Park is home to an abundance of wildlife, heritage and nature.
