Camana Bay, Grand Cayman (Monday 25 March 2013): From a challenging three-mile race ending with a sprint finish up and down The Observation Tower and a silent walk through the Town Centre in honour of a worthy cause to the much-awaited return of Michael’s Genuine’s Farm-to-Table Dinner Series and a fun, family-friendly pyjama party in support of youth education in the Cayman Islands – there is always something happening at Camana Bay!

 

World Autism Awareness Day

In honour of World Autism Awareness Day, Camana Bay’s Town Centre will join iconic landmarks, hotels, sporting venues, concert halls, museums, bridges, homes and communities around the world and light up blue from Thursday 28 March to Tuesday 2 April. On World Autism Awareness Day itself, Tuesday 2 April, the Special Needs Foundation of Cayman (SNFC) and Rotaract Blue Cayman Islands will be in the Town Centre to offer information, education and support on Autism and special needs in the Cayman Islands. Then join the organisations at the base of The Observation Tower from 11am-3pm for fun, free kids’ crafts. SNFC is a charitable, non-profit organisation committed to supporting children with special needs in the Cayman Islands. Rotaract Blue Cayman Islands is a non-profit community service based programme and part of a global effort to being peace and international understanding to the world. Come learn more about these organisations, Autism in the Cayman Islands and support a worthy cause.

Tuesday 2 April 11am-3pm, Town Centre

“Name This” Young Adult Book Club

If you’re a teen aged 14-18, Books & Books wants you to join their new book club. The group focuses on popular young adult series and is currently reading Lauren Oliver’s bestselling trilogy – Delirium, Pandemonium and Requiem. And you can help name the club! Get creative and email your suggestion to [email protected].  The person who comes up with the winning name will receive a copy of Requiem. The group gathers at Books & Books on the first Wednesday of every month from 7-8:30pm. Join them on Wednesday 3 April to discuss Pandemonium.

Wednesday 3 April 7-8:30pm, Books & Books

 

First Friday: Live on The Paseo

Celebrate the weekend with a festive free concert celebrating local artists and musicians. Little Magic will open the show with a soulful acoustic fusion of Caribbean, Jazz, Latin, Blues and R&B and original music on The Paseo. Then be enchanted by local drummers I Am… Percussion Ensemble as they perform a fusion of African, Latin and Caribbean rhythms, combining traditional styles with freestyle improvisation. Visual Arts Society artists, including 3 Girls and a Kiln, Laurel Schmid, will be on hand to share and discuss their work. In honour of Earth Day 2013, a number of community organisations will join the festivities to share information on local Earth Day events taking place across our Islands throughout the month of April.

Friday 5 April 7-11pm, The Paseo

 

Temptation Tuesday Wine & Cheese

Join Ortanique Executive Chef Sara Mair and her team and sample a delectable selection of cheese expertly paired with wines from Premier Wine & Spirits. Sit back, relax and enjoy an evening with friends. Choose from two cheeseboards each featuring three imported or house-made cheeses and three wine pairings for CI$36 per board. For more information or to make a reservation, call Ortanique at 345.640.7710.

Tuesday 9 April 5:30-8pm, Ortanique

Bon Vivant Cooking Class: Queen of Tarts

Explore the kingdom of tarts and tartlets with Bon Vivant. Step into a world of endless combinations of rich delicate dough’s and fabulous fillings. Cost is CI$55 per person and space is limited. For more information or to register, contact Bon Vivant at [email protected] or 345.623.2665.

Wednesday 10 April 6-8pm, Bon Vivant

 

The Bookends Club

Join The Bookends Club when they meet to review their latest pick, The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson. A reluctant centenarian much like Forrest Gump (if Gump were an explosives expert with a fondness for vodka) decides it’s not too late to start over… Come share your insights and impressions in an open discussion. The Bookends Club gathers at Books & Books on the second Wednesday of the month from 7-8:30pm and new members are always welcome. Wednesday 10 April 7-8:30pm, Books & Books

 

Observation Tower Run

Camana Bay is proud to host the fourth annual Observation Tower Run in partnership with Special Olympics Cayman Islands (SOCI). Participants will put their fitness to the test during an active morning in the Town Centre. The race starts with a three-mile run around Camana Bay’s Town Centre, and ends with a sprint finish up and down the five-storey Observation Tower. Entry is CI$25 for adults and CI$15 for 15 years and under and includes a participant t-shirt, official race timing and post-race refreshments. Pre-registration can be made online at caymanactive.com or by contacting  [email protected].  All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Cayman Islands. For more information, call 345.640.4000 or email [email protected].

Saturday 13 April 7am, Camana Bay Town Centre

 

Botany & Booze with Amy Stewart

Join award-winning author Amy Stewart for a special happy hour event celebrating the release of her new book, The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create the World’s Great Drinks. This fascinating  concoction of biology, chemistry, history, etymology and mixology – with more than fifty drink recipes and growing tips for gardeners – will make you the most popular guest at any cocktail party. Come sample some of Amy’s signature drinks as she shares tips for growing your own cocktail garden. The Camana Bay landscaping team will also be on hand to share their expansive local knowledge. Then browse a selection of Amy’s books and have your purchases signed by the author herself. This free event is part of the Books & Books International Visiting Author Series, sponsored by Camana Bay.

Saturday 13 April 6pm, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink

 

Floetry

Get into the flow with Floetry for another special night of words and wisdom, poetry and people. Join some of Cayman’s most talented poets and performers who share their work during an open mic night of poetry and readings. Come share your own work or listen to others. Floetry’s mix of poetry and music provides a unique opportunity for Cayman’s community of writers and readers to share their artistic and cultural experiences. It’s the perfect place to express yourself. Floetry takes place every third Wednesday of the month and is free and open to the public.

Wednesday 17 April 7-8:30pm, Books & Books

 

Bon Vivant Cooking Class: Pizza Making Perfection

Calling all pizza lovers! Bon Vivant is hosting a very special pizza-making class. Learn insider tips and techniques to make fantastic pizzas at home. This hands-on class will see the culinary experts share their secrets on making pizza in a home oven – from kneading dough to selecting the perfect topping combinations and cooking to perfection. Cost is CI$55 per person and space is limited. For more information or to register, contact Bon Vivant at  [email protected] or call 345.623.2665.

Thursday 18 April 6-8pm, Bon Vivant

 

Pantastic Steel Pan Performance

Don your dancing shoes and get ready to move! Bringing the rhythms of the Caribbean to Camana Bay’s Town Centre on select Friday evenings throughout April and May is “Pantastic”, Cayman Prep’s talented steel pan band. The group is raising funds to travel to Toronto this summer to join UCCI and Toronto’s “AfroPan” steel pan bands at the Caribana 2013 Festival and Parade. Enjoy a drink or an ice cream, sit back and relax as you listen to the chilled out sounds of steel pan under the cool shade of The Crescent.

Friday 19 April 5-7pm, The Crescent

 

Story & Craft Time with Juliette Heath

Young booklovers and their parents are in for a treat when local author Juliette Heath hosts a special Story & Craft Time celebrating the release of Hello My Name is Oreo: Puppy Dog Tails, the first in a series of children’s books written from a dog’s perspective. Families will enjoy lighthearted, humourous stories that address real life issues such as the problems facing unwanted puppies and stray dogs. Then kids can have fun and let their imaginations run wild with a creative craft. 10% of all profits from the series will be donated to the Cayman Islands Humane Society.

Saturday 20 April 10:30am, Books & Books

 

Estella Scott Roberts Foundation Steps to End Silence

Join the Estella Scott Roberts Foundation for Steps to End Silence, a group walk through Camana Bay’s Town Centre in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. By walking in silence, participants are reminded that failure to speak out against sexual assault and child sexual abuse hurts both the victims of these crimes and the community. The walk, which is free and open to all ages, will begin and end on The Crescent. There will be free giveaways and Silence Hurts Campaign T-shirts for sale. Come learn more about these important issues and support the Foundation’s effort to raise local awareness.

Saturday 20 April 10am, Camana Bay Town Centre

 

Cultural Workshop: Yo-Yo Quilt Making

Camana Bay is partnering with local artists to host a series of creative workshops designed to promote Caymanian culture and heritage. Children aged 7 and over are invited join local artist Nasaria Suckoo- Cholette to learn about traditional textile art and get creative with a fun, unique craft. Choose from colourful cotton cloths, or bring your own, and start work on your own Yo-Yo Quilt. This is a free event and space is limited. For more information or to register, contact Karie Bounds at [email protected].

Saturday 20 April 1:30-2:30pm, The Discovery Centre

 

Drum Circle

Professional drummers Randy Chollette, Damion Thaxter and Eden Hurlston of the musical group I AM PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE bring the Town Centre to life with a jam session featuring African, Cuban and Caymanian rhythms. The group was formed to promote brotherhood, unity and cultural development through the integration of music. Members of the public are invited to join in with their own instruments and will be given pointers throughout the session. So bring your instrument if you’d like to jam, bring your voice if you want to sing, or simply listen and enjoy an evening of rhythm and beats!

Saturday 20 April 5-7pm, The Crescent

 

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink Farm-to-Table Dinner

In an effort to support local agriculture and promote responsible food sourcing on-island, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is partnering with Slow Food South Sound on a series of family-style dinners to celebrate local ingredients and the people responsible for producing and harvesting them. The festivities begin at 7pm with a welcome cocktail and 4-course dinner for CI$55 per person (CI$50 for Slow Food members), exclusive of gratuity. Wine pairings will be offered for an optional supplement of CI$40 per person. For reservations, contact Michael’s Genuine at [email protected] or 345.640.6433.

Saturday 20 April 7pm, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink

 

Week of the Young Child Pyjama Party

Children, parents, caregivers and volunteers are invited to join the Cayman Islands Early Childhood Association  (ESA) to celebrate The Week of the Young Child with a fun, family-friendly pyjama party in Gardenia Court. Today, we know more about the importance of a child’s earliest years in shaping their learning and development than ever before. Yet, never before have the needs of young children been so pressing. The Week of the Young Child aims to focus public attention on the needs of children and their families, and recognize local community programmes and services that help meet those needs. Enjoy live music and movement, fun arts and crafts, including pillowcase painting and face painting, and more. Learn more about ESA and support their efforts for early childhood education in the Cayman Islands. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Association President Reina Jefferson at [email protected].

Monday 22 April 6-8pm, Gardenia Court

 

Bon Vivant Cooking Class: Classy Canapés

This interactive class is an excellent introduction to delicious, easy canapé recipes sure to impress any dinner guest. Ditch store-bought finger food as you learn to confidently make all sorts of interesting, tasty and impressive dishes. Cost is CI$55 per person and space is limited. For more information or to register,

contact Bon Vivant at [email protected] or call 345.623.2665.

Tuesday 23 April 6-8pm, Bon Vivant

 

Nosotros: Spanish Floetry

Spanish-speaking poets and performers—and those who simply enjoy la lengua de Cervantes—are invited to join “Nosotros”, a group whose mission is to build bridges and create connections through culture, for their monthly open mic night. Come share your artistic talents and cultural experiences in a creative and friendly space. “Nosotros” gathers at Books & Books on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 7-8:30pm and all are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Michel Powery at 345.917.0335.

Wednesday 24 April 7-8:30pm, Books & Books

 

Ortanique “Caja China” Full Moon Pig Roast

Co-owner/Chef Cindy Hutson, co-owner Delius Shirley and Executive Chef Sara Mair invite you for a Full Moon “Caja China” Pig Roast under the stars. The fun begins right when you ditch your shoes and dig your toes in to the sand on The Island in the Camana Bay Harbour. Sip mojitos and savour Cuban-inspired bocaditos (small bites). Then join fellow diners for a family-style all-you-can-eat Latin feast of roasted pig, fresh local fish, market vegetables, black beans and rice and other hearty dishes. Dance it all off with a live

DJ for a perfect end to an enjoyable evening. Spaces are limited. The cost is CI$100 per person and includes unlimited Bacardi mojitos, wine, beer and gratuity. For reservations, call 640.7710. “Ven disfruta la pachanga!” (Come enjoy the party!)

Thursday 25 April 6-10:30pm, The Island

 

Pantastic Steel Pan Performance

Don your dancing shoes and get ready to move! Bringing the rhythms of the Caribbean to Camana Bay’s Town Centre on select Friday evenings throughout April and May is “Pantastic”, Cayman Prep’s talented steel pan band. The group is raising funds to travel to Toronto this summer to join UCCI and Toronto’s “AfroPan” steel pan bands at the Caribana 2013 Festival and Parade. Enjoy a drink or an ice cream, sit back and relax as you listen to the chilled out sounds of steel pan under the cool shade of The Crescent.

Friday 26 April 5-7pm, The Crescent

 

Rotary Science Fair

The Rotary Central Science Fair is an annual event to foster an interest for students in science, scientific method of problem solving and the sense of accomplishment and discovery that comes with preparing a science project. Young participants will wow judges and spectators with their science skills as they compete for a cash prize that will assist them with their future college studies. Runner up prizes will also be awarded. Judging will take place between 10am and 3pm at the Camana Bay Arts & Recreation Centre, followed by an Awards Banquet at 6pm that parents are welcome to attend. For more information, visit

www.rotarysciencefair.ky.

Saturday 27 April 10am-3pm, The Arts & Recreation Centre

 

Weekly Rituals

 

Imagination Playground

Imagination Playground is a new concept in play that prompts creativity and sensory exploration. With a focus on loose parts – giant foam blocks, mats, wagons, fabric and crates – Imagination Playground’s play experience offers a changing array of elements that allow children to build, play, dream and explore endless possibilities. Come “play” with our Imagination Playground, which will be based on The Crescent every Wednesday and Saturday, and is free for all to enjoy.

Every Wednesday and Saturday 10am-8pm, The Crescent

 

Story Time

For our youngest readers, join Books & Books every Wednesday at 10:30am to read exciting new books and sing along to your children’s favourite songs.

Every Wednesday 10:30am, Books & Books

 

10 Minutes with Dr. James

Every Wednesday before Story Time and on the first and third Saturday of the month before Story & Craft Time, Dr. James Robertson, paediatrician at Trincay Medical Services in Camana Bay, visits Books & Books to share his medical knowledge and answer your parenting questions.

Every Wednesday plus the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month 10:30am, Books & Books

 

Weekly Farmers’ Market

Real Food, Real Farmers, Real Community! Get a real taste of Cayman every Wednesday when vendors from across the island sell fresh produce, hot food, handmade crafts and more at Camana Bay. Enjoy the satisfaction of buying fresh and supporting local merchants. The stalls are set up on the corner of Forum Lane and Market Street across from Digicel and Mail Boxes Etc.

Every Wednesday 12-7pm, Corner of Forum Lane and Market Street

 

Live on The Paseo

Join Abacus and West Indies Wine Company every Friday on The Paseo to celebrate the weekend with live music from your favourite local bands. With a different band each week, styles range from reggae and calypso to classic rock and contemporary pop. Enjoy a classic cocktail from Abacus or inspiring wines at West Indies Wine Company and savour the essence of pure relaxation in a tropical setting. Everyone is welcome to these free, alfresco musical performances.

Every Friday 7pm-10pm, The Paseo

 

Story & Craft Time

For young readers, join Books & Books every Saturday at 10:30am to read exciting new books and explore your creative side with a unique craft each week.

Every Saturday 10:30am, Books & Books

 

For more information on upcoming events taking place at Camana Bay, visit  camanabay.com.

 

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