By Peter Covino
Entertainment Editor

You can't stop that Caribbean music.

Hard economic times and even Kissimmee's ongoing construction at Lakefront Park caused problems for  Caribbean Fusion this year, an event that has been held annually for more than 15 years.

But the music will play on Sunday, Andy King, spokesman for the Caribbean and Floridian Association, said.

“When the city stopped helping with the financing this year,” King said, “it was touch and go," for the cultural and music celebration. We are a small association.”

But thanks to help from some other sponsors, including the Kissimmee Utility Authority, the sound of island rhythms will once again be heard in Kissimmee.

Construction at the downtown park also means a venue change for the music event – it will be held at the Osceola Heritage Park.

But the park will be a good location for Caribbean Fusion, King said.

“Osceola Heritage Park and the county have been very cooperative,” he said.

This year's event will include a day full of music and Caribbean food as well as a free health fair.

Musical entertainment includes local Indian dancers, steel band music, a reggae band, soca (the traditional popular music of Trinidad and Tobago), calypso and a Latin band.

The health fair will include dental health education, chiropractic screenings, blood pressure screenings, wellness information, giveaways and more.

“We will have many health professionals on hand,” to provide screenings and answer questions, he said.

The event also will feature lots of Caribbean-style foods and drinks for sale, lots of activities for children, art and crafts, merchandise booths and more.

King said a crowd of about 5,000 is expected for the event.

“We expect that there will be approximately 3,000 to 5,000 people in attendance at this event,” he said.

Caribbean Fusion has been able to present and promote cultural events that bring diversity into the Greater Orlando/Osceola area, by showcasing the best of Caribbean Culture, with its foods, music and arts for almost 18 years, he said.

Caribbean Fusion is expected to return to its usual location, Kissimmee Lakefront Park, next year, King said.

Admission to Caribbean Fusion is free. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Osceola Heritage Park is at 1875 Silver Spur Lane, off of U.S. Highway 192.