Conch Cracking Contest

I am constantly searching for different things to do on Grand Bahama and since Discovery Cruise Line cruises from Fort Lauderdale daily to Grand Bahama, I have plenty of time to research. Although I love experiencing different things myself, I love to be able to inform our passengers of the many wonderful things that they can do during their stay. If you are going to be visiting Grand Bahama in October, you may want to check out the Conch Cracking Contest. Each year, McLean's Town hosts their Conch Cracking Contest, where people flock this usually sleepy settlement to find out who will be crowned "Best Conch Cracker". The procedure involves hitting the third ring of the crown (base) of the conch shell with a sharp object, such as a small hatchet or axe to make a hole. Then, the mollusk (conch meat) is dislodged with a knife or by hand from its shells. The winner is the person who "cracks" the largest number of conchs within a specified time. Trophies and prizes are awarded for the "Conch Eating" and "Conch Cracking" The event usually takes place on Heroes Day (a.k.a. Columbus or Discovery Day) and this year is Monday, October 13th. A whole day of events take place with lots of food and music, usually plaiting the maypole, grease pole climbing, ribbon drill, Junkanoo rushout, three-legged races, swim contest, and of course the highlight is the big cracking competition! This daylong event is great for the whole family and something you will only experience in the Bahamas.