The Exchange Museum held its first-ever Culture Fair on Saturday, August 27th 2022. There was plenty to see and experience and it was a wonderful day out for the family.
Coupled with our guided tours which explained the history of currency, trade, business and education in Barbados, visitors were treated to the finest local entertainment and given the opportunity to shop a range of locally produced products. Tasty Barbadian sweets and treats like sugar cookies, nut cakes, conkies, fishcakes, sweet bread, flavoured popcorn and sno-cones, were among the variety of items on sale.
Our temporary gallery space was filled with beautiful plants, natural wines, locally handmade jewellery, and our craft corner, where children constructed traditional Barbadian chattel houses. Those who were curious about their family ancestry were given the opportunity to trace their ancestors and learn more about their relatives at the Genealogy table, which was sponsored by the Barbados Museum & Historical Society.
Natural, locally made soaps, deodorants, oils and creams were one of the first things you came across on the outside of the event. There was also a face painting for children to enjoy. Lively Barbadian soca and calypso music from the Barbados Police Service Band followed by Colin Spencer could be heard on entry to the Central Bank and Exchange courtyard. The crowd could be seen swaying to the music and in some instances dancing, as the band played the different instruments all in harmony with each other.
Simultaneously, amongst the hive of activity, our guided tours took persons on a journey throughout history. Special guests were given a glimpse into the world of Freemasonry with a series of interactive sessions with Depute District Grand Master, Leighton Waterman, District Junior Grand Warden, Elridge Dixon and Substitute District Grand Master, Alfred Taylor. Guests really enjoyed these interactive sessions and used this unique opportunity to find out as much information from the Masons as possible.
Our first event was a success and we are pleased with the feedback from guests who this new venture. The Exchange Culture Fair was a day of learning and fun for the entire family and we are grateful to our sponsors; the Barbados Museum & Historical Society, the Central Bank of Barbados and Parsons Pest Control for working with us. We hope to see you there next time!
