The Footfest

Once again the Barefoot Man came to Guana Cay. This time the festival was expanded to become almost an Abaconian Woodstock! There were three days of celebration highlighted by a two concerts featuring the famous Barefoot Man and his group. In addition, there was a wonderful steel drummer form Trinidad, Coco Loco from Cocoa Beach Florida and Stone McKuen another popular island group. Delicious island food was an important part of the festivities.

A good crowd gathered for the three-day event, although it was much smaller than last year. Tourism and cruising in the Bahamas is suffering from the economic downturn and the number of visitors has fallen off markedly this season.

The small turnout was good for those of us who did show up. We had a virtual backstage pass to the Foot Man’s performance as he charmed the crowd with his laidback music and island humor.

On top of the hill at Nippers famous Beach Bar and Grill, concert goers had a stunning view of the ocean and didn’t seem to mind the clouds and brisk chilly winds. Meanwhile down on the other side of Guana Cay at Grabbers, cruisers and cottagers rocked to the sounds of Coco Loco. There was plenty of dancing, lazing in hammocks and beach chairs and sipping “Guana Grabbers” by the pool. And this was only the first day of the Footfest. . A good time was had by all.

With the possible exception of the crew of Hunter 40 who returned from the concert at sunset to find their boat hard aground on a rock ledge in Fishers Bay. They spent an uncomfortable night waiting for the high tide at 4:30 AM to lift them off. Luckily their boat didn’t suffer any serious damage.

We only spent just one day at the Footfest and then headed for Man O War Cay to spend the rest of the weekend in solitude at one of our favorite beaches.