On Wednesday, September 9, 2009 the Jamaica College Old Boys Association of New York, Inc (JCOBA-NY, Inc.) held a press reception at Negril Village Restaurant, in New York to announce their 1st Annual Patty Festival of America.
 
The festival will be held Saturday September 12, 2009 at the Evander Child’s High School grounds, 800 Gunhill Road, Bronx NY; 2pm thru 10pm.
 
In the opening remarks Donovan Jones spoke of the theme of the event. According to Jones, “the  event is all about the patties”, an important part of Jamaica’s food culture. The patty he said exists in many varieties and the festival offers an opportunity to showcase and sample them all.
 
Dr. Dwight Williams, President of the association thanked those in attendance for their support.  He said the event is a way for the association to raise funds to support the school. This year’s focus is the school’s Computer Lab and Schools Challenge Team.
 
He thanked all the patty manufacturers, sponsors of the event: Tower Isle Frozen Foods, Golden Krust Bakery, Royal Caribbean Bakery,=2 0and Bruce’s Patties.
 
A Special welcome was extended to the evening’s sponsor, Bruce’s Patties. Desmond Patterson, owner and operator was invited to give a few remarks. He thanked the organizers for the opportunity to support the event. “We are trying to be creative in this industry” he said and mentioned a few including, salmon and ackee patties which are amongst the variety on Bruce’s Patties menu.
 
NYC Councilman Robert ‘Action’ Jackson, whose re-election press conference was in the same venue, became a part of the event and spoke of the common interest of support for education. Education he said was one of his passions as he has fought tirelessly for the children of New York. He was invited to be a special guest at the patty festival.
 
A special thank you was extended to Mr. Christopher Williams of Where Itz At Magazine, for hosting the association at his weekly Wednesday networking event. Among the special guests were Ms. Jamaica US 2009, Diane Johnson and her sponsor/chaperone Marvia Reid-Williams, of Khamani Creations.