Carter House will be a hub of excitement today with the unveiling of the newly restored “Settler’s Cabben” and the annual Onion Eating Contest.

A host of activities are lined up to mark Onion Day which will take place from 3pm to 6pm at the Carter House Museum in St David’s.

The cabin, a 17th-century-style Bermuda dwelling, received a makeover after its roof, made of palmetto leaves, was damaged in the last hurricane season.

It has been completely re-thatched by Larry Mills, an enthusiast in vernacular architecture, using predominantly traditional techniques.

US-based archaeologist Michael Jarvis will be on site along with Mr Mills to answer questions about the restoration of the cabin and there will be other organisations involved in the event.

Additionally, there will be both laughter and tears as contestants bite into Bermuda onions to vie for top place in the annual contest.

Rick Spurling, the president of the St David’s Island Historical Society, which runs Carter House Museum, said: “Dr Jarvis and Larry Mills will answer all questions on the Cabben materials, tools and techniques.

“This is not a text book presentation, but an opportunity to access experiential knowledge, skills and mastery from actually building the Cabben supported by directly relevant archaeology on Smith’s Island by Dr Jarvis, proving that our little thatched Cabben is ‘strikingly accurate’.

“The Bermuda Arts Centre plein air artists will be painting St David’s before the event and selling their work at the event.

“The Hideaway Farm vegetable cart will be selling onions on our 100-year-old cedar donkey cart made in St David’s. We also have arts and crafts performed on site.

“Doreen Williams-James will be there as well, making her delectable snacks from the wilds of Cooper’s Island.

“Of course, there will be a raffle, St David’s cuisine and drinks, and the onion eating contest.”

• The public are invited to attend the event which takes place at the Carter House Museum from 3pm to 6pm.