The Second Annual Sugar Fest sponsored by ASR Group-BSI attracted a crowd of over 2,000 people to the BSI Field on Saturday July 25th to celebrate this year’s record-breaking crop season. The event also aimed to bring farmers, industry employees and their families together in a fun filled, relaxed setting and to assist charity organizations in their fund raising efforts by sponsoring their fund raising booths.
The celebratory activities commenced shortly after 9 a.m. with the performance of the Gwen Lizarraga Marching Band! Seats were filled under the central tent as people joined in to enjoy the fun-filled day. Following a brief opening ceremony, the morning waspacked with performances under the main tent, including cultural dances by the Palmar Culture Group and JoJo the Clown who captured the audience with fun and laughter as he danced with audience members and played musical chairs with the young children. TechnoBand then swept the stage with their live performances keeping the audience glued to their seats or, in other instances, keeping them dancing off their feet.
While some listened to the bands performing under the tent, others explored the various stalls and booths of businesses that were stationed all around the field who were pleased to offer their icy treats, tasteful dishes and even hand-made products. Charity groups had their own booths as well, where they were able to raise funds for worthy causes.
The Fest sweetened the weekend for hundreds of kids as they were entertained by a number of games and activities. SIRDI hosted competitive games including the Sugar- Spoon Relay and Water Balloon Toss. Across the field, children swarmed the bouncy houses and trampolines that were available to them free of charge. BSI had a booth of their own, Kids Corner, where kids could go get face painting, color pictures and even get some free candy.
The afternoon consisted of a second outstanding performance by the Gwen Lizarraga Marching band, an ACM demonstration and an abundant amount of prizes that were raffled to Sugar Industry employees, cane farmers and the general public. Abraxas closed off the event by rocking the stage with classics at around 4 p.m. Olivia Avilez, Cane Farmers Relations officer at BSI, says that Sugar Fest was a huge success - twice as big as last year and that it was indeed a fun sugar industry family affair on Saturday July 25th 2015!