One of the activities that I was looking for was the Kids Parade. Basically, it gives the little tykes a chance to let loose. I always prefer to see kids do these types of things because its kind of like watching an episode of the Bloopers Tv Show or watching an animal act. Its just always more fun seeing them just have fun with no cares in the world (like me now.) Trying to keep the kids attention is like an exercise in futility (like me always.) On the other hand when you saw some of these groups perform it was awe inspiring.

The parade was to start at 10 am and it took a route down main street for about a quarter of a mile. I knew the chances of this thing starting on time was almost nil but I kind of looking forward to it and wanted a good spot in the activities. I arrived around nine and took a stroll along the parade route. I was surprised at the lack of activity. There were a few people around but nothing that I would relate to one of the biggest activities in the Caribbean. I decided that since this is most likely the last carnival that I would get to see in the VI, I was going to get a good spot. I was told that the best spot was in the central square because that was where the judges stands were and where all the groups performed for the judges. The best area was in the park, where people had already set up their canopies and chairs the week before. It was such a good spot that the local tv news had set up their camera there to capture the activities. I took a spot above that area which gave me a little two yard view between a small statue and the TV platform. As the parade started I noticed that a lot of the chairs below me were not occupied. I decided once again that you only live once so I hopped down the little dividing wall and took residence in front of the statue. The people who were there had the chairs in the front row and the chairs behind them were empty so I just stood right behind the empty chairs and in front of the statue so I wasn’t blocking anyone. Although it wasn’t in the shade, I had an excellent view. The parade pranced along bringing the lively kids and their colorful costumes. You could tell that this was a long practiced activity because they all performed like professionals. Some were just too cute and made me giggle like a little girl while some just made everybody stand up and applaud. About two hours into the parade, the lady who seemed to be the ring leader noticed me and asked if I (the statue man), wanted a seat since some of her group would not be coming to the kids parade. I quickly grabbed a seat. I was definitely in first class. We spoke for a little while and she explained that it was her 18th Carnival and had gotten the planning down to a science. She had three ice chests of food, drinks, and Pain Killers. She constantly asked if I was thirsty or hungry. Now that is what I call Carnival Spirit. One of the things that I do want to be honest about was that the Parade was long. I started out ecstatic about the activities and was having a great time watching and listening. About three hours into it, I was no longer standing but was still having a good time. Six hours into it and I started checking my watch. The parade coordinators had set up the different groups so it got better as the time went on, but after six hours under the sun, it started to drain the life out of you. By the end, I was standing, not to watch the activities in front, but down the road to see if there was an end. After 7 hours, I had survived the Parade from start to finish. I said my thank you’s to the lady (Megan) and she invited me back the next day for the main event.

Here are a few photos of the event.

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Gov. Turnbull