76.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesCHILDREN'S PARADE IS A HOT, HOT, HOT PLEASER

CHILDREN'S PARADE IS A HOT, HOT, HOT PLEASER

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.

Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.