Goombay Sunday Attendance Slows

Sunday rains dampened attendance at Goombay in the Grove, leaving Freeport caterer Iris Williams with six hours in which to sell 130 of 150 pounds of Bahamian conch that she brought with her from the islands.

One of a handful of native Bahamian vendors at this year's Goombay, Williams was selling plates of conch balls that last year helped net her $3,500 over the course of the two-day event. Daughter Lateisha Heild, one of two additional travelers this year, watched as Goombay goers trickled by between pouring rains.

Goombay has since 1976 celebrated the heritage of Bahamians in and around Coconut Grove's Little Bahamas area. Hundreds filled Grand Avenue on Saturday, as a steady stream of people arrived, paying as much as $25 for parking and $20 for the conch balls .

Food trucks such as the Bahamian Conch Shack of Miami and GNS Seafood Express from Broward County were among the busiest vending sites on Sunday. Attendees nevertheless suggested that, rains side, the event was busier last year.

Goombay began with Friday night music, dancing and a junkanoo parade at the J.W. Carver High School football field. On Saturday and Sunday, Grand Avenue was closed from Elizabeth Street to Douglas Road.

Live performers and DJ music resounded from bookend stages. Many locals enjoyed the festivities from vacant tents pitched between vendors.

-- Michelle Sheldone