May 2, 2003 – Just as rain don't stop de carnival, neither does a searing sun, as Friday's Children's Parade under all but cloudless skies demonstrated in fine form.
All the traditional attractions of the young people's crowd-pleasing part of V.I. Carnival were there — majorettes, steelbands, mocko jumbies, crowned heads, costumed marchers, floats and, of course, the clowns and traditional Indians. This year, breaking tradition, the Indians yielded their place as the final unit in the parade to the shimmering Sun Children troupe.
As accompanying adults made sure the youngsters replenished fluids frequently in the heat, even royal-robed V.I. Carnival Princess LaQuanda Fredericks and Prince K'Mani Dowe kept their cool.
The Territorial Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra, massive as always in its sound and its high-rise trolleys, had an emotional visual impact this year as well. Dressed in fatigues in honor of U.S. troops in Iran, the pan players also paid tribute to "Pfc. Gerald E. Hodge Sr." in a large portrait. This year's Carnival Village, "Gerry's Place," is named for Hodge, one of the founders of modern-day Carnival and a military veteran. His death two weeks ago lent a somber tone to the otherwise joyful jump-up atmosphere.
For a look at more colorful images of the Children's Parade participants captured by Source contributing photographer Nathan Gates, see the Community/Other stuff section of St. Thomas Source.
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