Once upon a time a woman with a vision in the sweet land of liberty off the western coastline of Africa had a dream: To celebrate Liberian culture in a weekend dedicated to art, revelry, and assorted festivities. The weekend, the 2nd iteration of it’s kind, would center around the Liberian fiery spirit (pun intended) affectionately known as Cane Juice. The destination, an effort on the part of Mrs. Nykita Garnett-Diggs the chief organizer of the event to highlight a different city outside of Monrovia, would be Buchanan.

Buchanan, or Gbezohn as the area is referred to in the local Bassa language, was and remains a key port city with a railway that continues to transport iron ore from the mines in Yekepa, Nimba County. To underscore the significance of this tiny port city to the world, note that beginning in the 1950s, iron ore sourced from Liberia was managed in part by Bethlehem Steel, formerly the largest shipbuilder & 2nd largest steel producer in the United States headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The first Americo-Liberian settlements in Buchanan are said to be have been established around the 1830s. Of course there were also people of indigenous origin long before living in this region. Sources point to the fact that the migration of Bassa speaking people from north of the Sahel to western parts of the coast of Africa including present-day Buchanan occurred beginning in the 6th century and throughout the Middle Ages. People who share similar linguistic and ethnic traits to the Bassa in Liberia can be found in parts of Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon.

Recruited as one of the friends who would help take Cane Juice Fest version 2.0 to the next level, I felt blessed and excited to be invited to a creative outlet that would marry my love of Cane Juice (a love that causes my mother much chagrin) , creative expression, and avid interest in being the “hostess with the mostest” intent on offering the optimal customer experience to our paying guests.

Special thanks to the sponsors of our room “extras” which included all Liberian made and owned products. Coconut Oil samples provided by Serenity by Bamu, Moringa Bath Soap & Palm Kernel oil samples by Kernel Fresh, and Hair Serum by Uhai Hair. Hosts also provided complimentary bottles of Cane Juice, incense, and floral arrangements for overnight guests. Other freebies included african print leis and flower crowns featured on some of our beautiful guests below. (both are still available for Sale)

Cane Juice Fest 2019 was a huge success and we’re all looking forward to a continuation of amazing vibrations for Cane Juice Fest 2020.

Rustic Chic Accomodations @ Elizabeth Village Resort.