And while that was the prelude, it couldn’t overshadow the main event. A total of 4 junior and 5 senior bands participated in what observers say is a genuine renaissance year for the event. You saw it live here on Channel 7 but here is a recap as we interviewed revelers as they lined to prepare for the big dance from Caesar Ridge Road to the Marion Jones Stadium.
Keith Swift Reporting,
And despite the ominous rain clouds that hovered above - at midday we met the bands lined up on Caesar Ridge Road - stretching all the way to Yabra Green. The revelers were in their costumes, in form, and in the carnival spirit.
Woman #1 For a long I ready. From the right of September I was ready.
KS: Will you make it the stadium?
Woman #1: Of course ‘cause this can take me anywhere.
KS: You ready for carnival?
Woman #2: Yes,…I’ve been dancing carnival for all my life. For four years I went but now I am back again.
KS: You’ll make it to the Stadium?
Woman #2: Why not? We will reach there.
Woman #3: We were ready from two weeks ago. Tanya Broaster, Ernestine Carballo representing Mother Nature. This is my third year. I am good to go.
Woman #4: I am more than ready right now. I am over ready.
KS: You’re the queen for Jump Street Posse’s senior band. Ready for the road march?
Woman #5: Hell yes, ready long time, ready from the 8th. I don’t know why they moved it to here but hey I am here so I am ready.
Man #1: Yes I am ready for the road march. We’re going to have a lot of fun today and try to see if we can get first place again in this road march.
And about thirty minutes later, Jesus Caceras and about an estimated 1000 revelers danced from Central American Boulevard to the Marion Jones stadium in a carnival that may have been the bigger but was also faster.
The winner of the junior section is Black Pearl followed by Mahogany Masqueraders in second and Jump Street Posse in third. For the seniors, Mother Nature’s Creation is first followed by Southside Masqueraders is second, and Jam Jam Passe in third.
