Happy was the word for St. Croix’s Festival 2000 on Thursday and Friday with the crowing of a new Calypso King and the Childrens’ Parade.
Kicking off the happyfest was Lestroy "Happy" James’ coronation as Calypso Monarch Thursday night at Island Center. After five hours of performances by 11 calypsonians, who lampooned everything from V.I. politics to potholes, Happy was crowned king.
The main target of Happy’s tune, "Be Straight With The People", were politicians. Happy said he was going with his strong point in the song — "Crucian style, cultural all the way." He said he was ready for the calypso challenge on St. Croix’s sister island.
"I will be there for St. Thomas," he said.
Earlier Thursday in Frederiksted, ground zero for Festival 2000 events, was the J’ouvert and Food Fair. Thousands of revelers tramped through Freedom City in the early hours behind the China Dan Band. The tramp ended and the partyers headed to the Food Fair.
Continuing the happy theme on Friday was the Childrens’ Parade. Although heavy rains tried to slow the procession down early on, the sun was bright for the rest of the afternoon. Kids of all ages marched, danced and generally grooved to the pounding beats of steel bands on King Street from about noon to 4 p.m.
The Adults’ Parade kicks off Saturday morning at 11 a.m.
