by SCOTT C

For 24 years, Montreal's very own Jamaica Day has made its home in the modest confines of Van Horne Park, where, for one day every summer, all corners of the Jamaican community converge for good food, music and all things Jamaican. This Saturday, July 24, the Jamaica Association and Ville de Montréal present the event in its new home at the Hippodrome Blue Bonnets. Boasting rides for the kids, a grudge-match dominoes tournament between teams from Montreal and Toronto, and more food than I can list here, there will also be a slew of special guests, including Canadian Olympic gold medallist Donovan Bailey.

The Jamaican-born sprinter set a world record in the 100-metre in 1996, crossing the line at 9.84 seconds, a record that stood until 1999. Bailey says he's taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with the kids and the rest of Montreal's Jamaican community.

"My time is very limited now," he explains over the phone from Toronto, "and when I was training, everything was quite specific. I knew what I had to do, I knew where I had to go and my staff knew exactly what they had to do. Things are much more hectic today. Right now, I'm the chair of Big Brothers & Sisters of Toronto, I'm also a spokesperson for the Canadian Cancer Society, I have my own foundation and I own a few businesses. I also still do one-off appearances with sponsors, I work with Eurosport, and I'll be working with the CBC in Athens at the Olympics." Bailey is just one of the many attractions that will no doubt draw Jamaicans and non-Jamaicans alike to the fresh new grounds of this longstanding event.

With music being such a big part of Jamaican culture, it's no surprise that this year's festivities will showcase some of Montreal's finest purveyors of reggae music, as well as some of the island's best known exports. Jah Cuttah and the ever-present Determination Band head up the Montreal contingent with their own brand of roots reggae, along with local luminaries such as Mikey Dangerous, Sampaloo, Juliet "Smurfette" Nelson, Kulcha Connection and Gerry Thompson, making for a full day of music for all in attendance.

Headlining this tight line-up of talent is none other than "Mr. Rocksteady" himself, Ken Boothe. The Studio One legend is fresh off a successful U.K. tour with the Hotta Flex Crew, who will be making their Montreal debut.

With things getting underway at 11 a.m. and going right through until 11 p.m., there should be more than enough time to enjoy the bigger, better location and all the food, drink and music there is to take in. And just in case you're thinking of putting Donovan Bailey's famous legs to the test on the Hippodrome track, heed the words of an Olympian who hasn't trained in years.

"You must be crazy - that ain't gonna be happening!"

Jamaica Day at Hippodrome Blue Bonnets (7440 Décarie) on Saturday, July 24, 11AM–11PM, $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and teens 13–17, free for kids 12 and under, tickets available through the Jamaica Association, 737-8229

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