A National Mango Day aimed at heightening awareness of the benefits, values of mangoes and ways to utilize the fruit has been planned for August 14th. Mango Fest organizers are of the view that the event which precedes the Christian Valley Mango Festival set for August 15 & 16 would raise awareness of the vision to develop and sustain the agro –processing industry. Officials within the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment would work closely with the media, on August 14 to create, a media blitz, on mangoes.

Some of the day’s topic includes how to eat mangoes, by –products of mangoes, the medicinal values of mangoes among others. Plans are also afoot to distribute mangoes to the various government departments, media houses and members of the public. The highlight of the National Mango Day is message from the Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment. Technical officers from the ministry would also be proactive on media call –in programs throughout the day.

In the meantime, plans for the Christian Valley Mango Festival are processing steadily and submission deadline for the Mango Art Competition is July 31. On August 8th all roads lead to the Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI), for the Magic Mango/Pineapple Culinary Competition. Over 20 chefs and 15 bartenders are expected to compete using mango menus for the coveted prize. Additionally, August 15 & 16 will be buzz with activities. The Leo-club of Antigua & Barbuda, earlier this week released to the Mango Fest Committee the following program in which the family could participate.

Mr. Mango Head; Various craft items are used to adorn a mango to create a character.

• Mango & “Shack – Shack’’ race; Individuals are challenged to race a course with a mango balanced on the end of a “Shack – Shack”.

• Mango Smiley Face; Skittles, cherries, and raisins or other fruit or snack items are used to create an edible face on a slice of mango.

• Mango eating competition; Individuals are challenged to eat as many mangoes as possible in a given time limit.
  

• Mango Ice-Cream: Children will have the opportunity to assist with the making homemade mango ice-cream using the items and ingredients listed.
  

• Mango Face-Cut-Out: Using a template shaded like a mango, children will have the opportunity to have their picture taken (with their face fitted in the space provided).
  

• Mango Tree-Cut-Out: It is almost the same thing like the Mango Face Cut Out the only difference is that it will be a tree with mangoes hanging and their will just fit their face in the space provided.