Some tiny tots had their costumes blown over by the wind, but despite the wardrobe malfunctions, they were jamming still.
There was nothing stopping children at the San Fernando Carnival Committee’s Junior Parade of the Bands competition yesterday which started close to midday. Despite the bands having less masqueraders this year, 21 schools and clubs crossed to stage before a handful of people at Skinner Park. As the popular Ultimate Reject’s Soca, Full Extreme played on repeat, the children pranced around the stage gleefully in an experience so thrilling that some of them did not want to leave. The stage itself was surrounded by grinning parents, equipped with their cell phones and cameras.
Although the competition was scheduled to begin at 10 am, it was not until 12 noon that the first band, House of Jacqui got the show started with their feathery presentation of I dreamt I had Wings Like a Bird. The junior masqueraders of Lionel Jagessar and Associates’ Heart Beat followed soon after, turning the streets into an enchanted river of colour, life and excitement.
Like the celebrated designers, Peter Minshall and Brian Mac Farlane showed that mas reflects life, so did many of the bands. Fyzabad band, Irma & Friends took spectators on a trip with their presentation of A Journey to Africa. The youngsters depicted the natural beauty of Africa with portrayals of the Queen Killer Bee, King Lion, African Honey Bees and Zebras.
Fyzabad Apex Stars showed off their gifts, while presenting, In My Toybox. Filled with fluorescent green and pink Genies and cowboys armed with their lassos, the children put on a colourful exhibition before the judges.
La Divina Pastora Siparia Boys’ RC honoured past and living legends with their presentation of Icons of Carnival. Calypsonian Aldwyn (Lord Kitchener Roberts, Soca veteran Austin (Superblue) Lyon, steel pan arranger Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, masmen Peter Minshall and Lionel Jagessar were honoured in their presentations.