The children’s costume parade yesterday was an explosion of colour and to mark the country’s 40th anniversary there were 40 floats taking part in the Ministry of Education sponsored road march.
Children from almost all the regions converged at Independence Park in colourful costumes both big and small as they prepared to tramp down the streets into the National Park while onlookers lined the streets to take pictures and admire the children.
The largest of the groups out on the road included Regions, Two, Three, and Nine.
There were over twenty schools participating in the road march while at the National Park, the smaller ones displayed their costumes with professionalism.
The National Park stands were packed, and the young trampers were quite unselfconscious about working to impress the judges one last time.
One of the best displays at the National Park was from Region Three. Although large, the contingent was well coordinated and included a bit of physical display, thrilling the audience.
Present at the festivities was Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony who expressed himself impressed with the morning’s presentation which he said was “beautiful” and rivalled that of the adults.
Coordinator of the Children’s Mashramani activities, Desire Wyles-Ogle agreed with him, and voiced her satisfaction at the turnout. She said that the atmosphere was “real carnival” like and commended all those who had worked tirelessly to ensure that the event was smoothly executed. The parade, she said, provided an opportunity for the schools and the children to display their talents and expressive arts.