Its now three days and counting to Saturday's carnival road march. Controversy aside, months of preparation, thousands of dollars, and hours of sweat will be put to the test when it kicks off on Saturday afternoon. We already gave you a preview with highlights from the King and Queen on Monday night and tonight we'll take you into the mas camps of two junior bands for a feel of the energy as clock ticks down to the big day.
Keith Swift Reporting, [keithkswift@gmail.com]
From Black Pearl's unlikely staging ground, in the middle of Dean Street where they literally stopped traffic to the Jump Street Posse's Camp on Faber's Road. The spirit and energy of carnival was alive, kicking, and dancing.
The road march is still four days away but for these kids, some very young, and some not so young - it seemed that right here and right now is as good as it gets.
Child #1,
"I'm really excited, I got to see my trophy, and I am really excited."
Keith Swift,
Where do you get the energy from?
Child #1,
"The energy just comes out of nowhere."
Keith Swift,
Will you be able to bear the sun on Sunday?
Child #1,
"For six years I've withstood it so I must could do it."
Child #2,
"I am excited because this is the first time I am in Jump Street."
And while they might have their dance steps on lock, that's only half of preparing for the carnival. Over at Black Pearl bandleader Dorla Vaughn kept the costumes for her 101 masqueraders under lock and key but she did show me the King and Queen pieces, which placed both second in Saturday's contest. Vaughn says that before the fun came a lot of work.
Dorla Vaughn, Black Pearl CEO
"Sponsorship is very hard. We did a little fundraising but we are getting there. I do it for the fun of it. I just love carnival."
Keith Swift,
I see the energy of the kids. What does that do for you?
Dorla Vaughn,
"Ooh I love that, I love that and that shows that they appreciate and enjoy it."
Jump Street has also struggled for sponsorship. Bandleader Marina Wellcome says this year was no different. But as always, the party must and will go on.
Marina Wellcome, Jump Street Posse CEO
"I think they are coming out in full force because as you can see out there, they are kicking up dust. I cannot calm them down and they are ready to go. I will be 63 strong and they keep coming but I cannot afford to make anymore costumes."
Keith Swift,
How do you keep up with these kids?
Marina Wellcome,
"Its hard, I need a lot of vitamins, its very hard."
And seeing these masqueraders in action from Dean Street to Faber's Road you can see why.
The Carnival Road March begins 3 on Saturday afternoon and you can see it live right here on Channel 7 with hosts Neil Hall and Carla Ayres.
