After Friday’s Children’s Parade, I was feeling a bit drained but was looking for some extravaganza. Flashy costumes, screaming music, dancing, and partying. I wasn’t disappointed. Standing out in the sun for 7 hours the day before had me wiped out Saturday morning. I had set the alarm for 9 am, but the value of the Carnival did not match up with my need for sleep. I used the “island time as my reasoning for taking another two hours of sleep.

I hit the parade route around eleven and I was still early. People had already staked out their spots however, there wasn’t a colorful dancer in sight. I was finally getting it right. I hung out in the shade until the Governor showed up with his Goon squad. I made my way down to where I lucked out the prior day. Although there were people lined up along the retaining wall, I saw that my spot in front of the statue was still vacant. Megan, her family and friends were already there, but a few seats were still open. As soon as she noticed me she offered me a seat. I gladly accepted taking a chair right next to the news camera booth. Luckily for me, their umbrella kept me shaded until the sun shifted and even then the booth itself protected me. No sun for this woosy boy. I felt cool and calm the whole day. Actually, I would have to rate the Parade as a second compared to the hospitality that the group had given me. Not only did I get a nice chair in the shade, but I was also served drinks, snacks, and a lovely dinner of two types of pasta, game hens, and roast pork. It was just like being on a picnic. I left that night feeling as fresh as when I arrived.

The parade itself was laid out somewhat comparatively to the Kids Parade. As the day progressed the acts got bigger, brighter and louder. In total there were 49 entries each performing for between ten to fifteen minutes. The categories that I could decipher, were dance groups, floats, Kings and Queens, Steel Pan, Costume, and drunk people. I have no clue who won, but it was one memorable day.

Here are a couple of my personal choices from the different categories.