Crop-Over last lap action in high gear

Revellers will be “out to all” this weekend as Barbados’ Crop-Over Festival reaches another colourful, fun-filled climax.The Pic-O-De-Crop Finals will usher in the last events of the festival with what  is expected to be an engaging tussle among ten calypsonians including the defending Monarch, Red Plastic Bag at Kensington Oval tonight.Whatever the outcome at The Oval, revellers will direct their focus to the next big attraction, the Fore Day Morning jump-up from the Carlisle Car Park to the Spring Garden Highway.It’s an event which Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin has described as one of the most challenging for authorities. He said it would be policed by a large security contingent of police officers and Barbados Defence Force soldiers.“Their stance would be to faciltate the revellery, but from a policing standpoint be very firm to ensure that public order is maintained,” Dottin said.An estimated 15 000 revellers are expected to jump in 17 registered bands, and the longer route will provide them with more time to party.In addition to the route, patrons will be treated to a free Sunrise Beach Party at Brandons Beach from 5 a.m. with popular DJs and live performances.Saturday night will see the popular 10 To 10 fete filling the Carlisle Car Park.Known to be one of the biggest fetes during the season, the event is held by FAS Entertainment and the Berger Boyz.Their cast includes krosfyah, Rupee and Band, Soca Kartel, Alan Sheppard of Spice and Co., Dougie Slaughter from Trinidad, Rameses, Kirk Browne, Mikey, Li’l Rick, Peter Ram, Gorg, Pong, Mr Dale and more. Ten top Djs will also keep that fete going until 10 Sunday morning. On Sunday night, The Oval will once again be the place to be for Cohobblopot.This year’s line-up will see a full Bajan cast and it is expected to live up to its reputation as an excellent showcase of creative talents.Among those hitting the stage will be krosfyah, Soca Kartel, Red Plastic Bag, Brett Linton, Queen T, Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Natahlee, Bobo, and Mr Dale. In Grand Kadooment on Monday, over 20 bands will be jamming from the Warrens area to Spring Garden. (CT)