The Children’s Mashramani Competition and regional events are in full swing with events planned for Friday and Saturday concluding with the national Costume Band and Float Parade on Tuesday.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press re-lease, segments of the children’s competition were held on Wednesday and a Road March and Children’s Parade will conclude their events at the National Park on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the annual Flag Raising Ceremony will be hosted at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday at 7 am.

This event will be followed by the Costume Band and Float Parade in Georgetown at 10 am. A calendar of events has been planned across the country to ensure that celebrations are widespread and that there is maximum participation.

Region One is hosting a series of events which started with an Interfaith Church Service on January 31 and a clean-up campaign of schools and other government buildings on February 5. On Saturday the region will host its Mash Farmers’ Day Competition at Kumaka/ Mabaruma, which will allow the farmers to display their produce. The Mash Champion Finals for all teams in Mabaruma is set for Saturday and Sunday.

Region Two held its first competition on January 12 – the Best Neighbourhood Democratic Council Competition.

It also hosted an indoor games competition and held a display of Amerindian, East Indian and African dishes at the Suddie Play Ground. On Tuesday it will host a Differently-Abled Day of Sports/Interaction at the Queenstown Community Based Rehabilitation Centre.

GINA said Region Three kicked of its list of activities on January 23 with the Melody King Competition held at the Wales Community Centre. It will host a Fun Day on Sunday at its Regional Administration Compound.

In Region Four the Mash Jamboree was held on January 30 at Timehri. In addition, Youth Explosion (cycling) from the Demerara Harbour Bridge to Triumph, East Coast Demerara is set for Sunday. Region Five hosted its Disability Activities on January 22. It is also expected to host a Craft Exhibition and Sale by the Regional Democratic Council tomorrow.

Region Six started its roster of events with the Secondary Schools Debating Competition from February 1-15. A Chutney Competition will be hosted at Albion on Friday. Meanwhile, Region Seven held an exhibition at the Bartica Stelling on January 15 and is currently hosting an Illuminated Buildings Competition from Monday to Saturday.

Region Eight will begin its calendar of events with a Church Service at the Mahdia Community Centre and a Fun Day at the RDC Play Ground on Sunday.

GINA said too the Annual Flag Raising Ceremony will be held in all regions.