THIRD ANNUAL TURKS & CAICOS CONCH FESTIVAL SET FOR NOVEMBER 25 IN BLUE HILLS

TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS, BWI – October 18, 2006

TCI’s Biggest Celebration Of Local Culture And Industry to Feature Cash Prizes,New Mojito Challenge, $10,000 Raffle and Native Sloop Races

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands – October 18, 2006 – Organizers of the Turks & Caicos Conch Festival (www.conchfestival.com) have announced November 25 as the date for the 2006 edition of the extravaganza, which figures to be bigger and better than ever. The third annual celebration of TCI culture, history and most-important export will feature a wide range of activities, including big cash prizes for the winning chefs in the conch recipe ‘conch-etition’, a special Mojito Challenge for local bartenders sponsored by Bacardi Rum, a high stakes native sloop race by members of the TCI Maritime Heritage Federation, and a draw for $10,000 in cash sponsored by the Rotary Club of Providenciales.

The event takes place from Noon to 7PM in the scenic and picturesque Blue Hills section of Providenciales and features live local music, games for the kids, and a variety of conch contests for all comers. All funds raised from the event go toward the development of a youth recreational facility in the Blue Hills area.

“Conch is an important and valuable part of our country’s history, culture and economy. We lead the world not just in its production, but also its conservation, ensuring it will continue to be a staple for us for years to come,” noted Honourable McAllister Hanchell, Minister for Natural Resources and Conservation. “An event such as the Conch Festival is a fun way to celebrate how much we enjoy conch and to showcase our skills in harvesting and preparing it, as well as to educate both locals and tourists alike on the necessity of taking care of our important natural resources. And, it’s all in the name of a great cause.”

The main draw of the event will once again be the chef ‘conch-etition.’ Purveyors of the local delicacy will challenge each other with creative concoctions of conch and be judged in one of three categories – Conch Chowder, Conch Salad and Specialty Conch, the catch-all category for the most innovative and inspired creations. A team of celebrity judges, headlined by Chef Dean Max of Fort Lauderdale’s acclaimed 3030 Ocean Restaurant, will judge the category winners. Conch Festival attendees will vote on the Grand Prize winner, who will be bestowed with a generous cash prize as well as a custom-designed ‘floating’ trophy which can be displayed for a full year at their establishment.

The tasty Mojito, a rum-based specialty drink made famous by our neighbors in Cuba, will join the conch-etition this year. Local retailer The Wine Cellar and its partner Bacardi Rum, are sponsoring the TCI Mojito Challenge, which will pit the island’s best bartenders against each other in a tasting event for cash and prizes.

The conch-etition isn’t limited to just land this year. The TCI Maritime Heritage Federation will showcase its members’ sailing skills with a high-stakes native sloop race off the shores of Blue Hills. With an expected starting field of up to a dozen of the islands’ finest sailing vessels, organizers are looking forward to spirited competition on the waters as well. The sailors will be available before hand to give up-close demonstrations of their crafts.

The Rotary Club of Providenciales will repeat its popular $10,000 Pot o’ Gold draw, with the grand prize drawing scheduled for 5PM at the Conch Festival. Tickets are available from Rotarians throughout the islands and only 2,000 tickets will be sold.

Other highlights scheduled for the day include: live music from local performers, including a junkanoo rush; games and attractions for kids; the annual visit by Santa Claus; conch blowing and knocking competitions and a prize-laden raffle draw.

Restaurants and chefs interested in participating are encouraged to contact Bernard (241-4230) or Mike (231-6832) or email info@conchfestival.com to register for the conch recipe competition. Bartenders up for the Mojito Challenge should contact Colin at The Wine Cellar at 946 4536. The Conch Festival is also still actively seeking sponsors, individual and corporations can contact Bernard (241-4230) or Mike (231-6832) or email info@conchfestival.com to get more details on sponsorship opportunities.

Media contact: Toni Sottak, Wired Island PR, (649) 941-4218 or (649) 331-6833.