Plenty vibe and excitement at PAN 2018 launch

Plans for the staging of PAN 2018 were announced during a '90s-themed dancehall party held on Thursday, July 5, at the National Stadium in Kingston. PAN partners, media, well-wishers and lovers of authentic Jamaican PAN chicken came out for a nostalgia-driven night, artfully corralled by host Miss Kitty and punctuated by great vibe, infectious energy and excitement.

Jamaica's largest food festival is set to begin on Saturday, August 25, where the journey ignites at Folly Oval, Portland, for Regional 1. Competitors from the parishes of Portland, St Mary, St Thomas, St Catherine, Kingston and St Andrew, St Ann and Trelawny will square off in a test of culinary skill.

On Saturday, September 29, competitors from the parishes of St Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, St James, Westmoreland and Hanover will battle at Independence Park, Black River, St Elizabeth, in the second regional round in their quest to advance to the grand final of PAN 2018.

The finalists from each regional competition will advance to the final showdown, slated for Sunday, October 28, at the National Stadium car park, to vie for the coveted title of PAN Champion 2018.

In usual PAN flair and extravaganza, a superb entertainment package will be curated and will cater to everyone, from the young to the old. The Monster Milk Kiddies' Village is back and is always a favourite among young children, and even the young at heart. Comedian Dufton 'Duffy' Shepherd and media personality Miss Kitty will host all PAN events.

In its efforts to highlight PAN men and women while building on a Jamaican staple, PAN 2018 will see the introduction of the PAN Road Shows. These will take place during the weeks leading up to each regional event and the grand final, making several stops in its tour across the island.

The popular Copperwood Pork will also participate in a bigger way this year, with its #KnowYourPork corner. Patrons will have the opportunity to enjoy diverse pork offerings and learn more about the importance of just that - knowing where your pork comes from.

A hit at last year's series, Homegrown Corn returns, as the event continues to demonstrate its mantra of living better and supporting local companies and brands.

New partner to this year's line-up is Wisynco Group, leading with its Coca-Cola brand, Tru-Juice and Wata. Wisynco will include its Eco programme geared towards recycling. This, notes CB Foods, is in keeping with its drive to live better and in so doing, encourage persons to make environmentally conscious decisions. So while patrons enjoy the festivities, they will be engaged to participate in better waste management and plastic use.

Now in its 13th staging, PAN 2018 is a display of culinary skills, innovation and entertainment in a sought-after affair on the national event calendar, reaching people from all walks of life.

Five entrants from each parish will compete in a live 60-minute cook-off at the regional level. A winner and runner-up (1st and 2nd place) are chosen from each parish to advance to the grand final. Parish winners receive $40,000 in cash and gifts from sponsors, while runners-up receive $20,000 cash, among other prizes.