This year’s flow Grand Kadooment was given a thumbs up by many spectators.
As is the norm, people lined the route to bear witness to the colours, sounds and revelry, many sheltering from the sun under umbrellas and some bringing their own chairs.
There were also many tents along the route from Eagle Hall to the Psychiatric Hospital on Black Rock with people relaxing in the shade as the bands passed.
Shirley Sobers was one who was sitting under a tent, just in front of her home. She said she would usually have a stall in the location, but not this time around.
“Crop Over came too fast, but I will be back next year,” she pledged.
Sobers said the bands were “all right” and the costumes good, but lamented the loss of the late Gwyneth Squires.
The jump-up presented unique opportunities for the enterprising, such as two youths who were selling black umbrellas along the route. There were also those seeking to profit by collecting carelessly discarded plastic bottles
Lena Fredriksen and her family were visiting from Norway and taking in their first Grand Kadooment. She said they specifically extended their vacation to experience it.
“It’s hot,” she said, “But the festival is colourful, so it was worth staying.”
The family had a piece of advice for other visitors seeking to spectate the street parade, however.
“Just make sure you eat before you come because the vendors only take cash and not credit cards,”
she said.
The sun took its toll on the revellers, but handy water stations were along the route, sprinkling passers-by with cooling mist or water jets. Many revellers sported portable fans, but those who could no longer bear the heat of the asphalt were able to climb into one of the many available coaches and ride part of the way.
Pamett Waithe was sporting her own costume as part of her band of one. She said there were fewer people in the bands.
“I find not as many people are in the bands as they usually are; the majority of people are spectating. I’m in my own band, I would have joined one, but I can’t deal with those prices,” she said.
Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce promised the police and security forces were ready for the big day, and the heavy police and Defence Force presence proved him right.
Ann Allsopp was under a tent with her family, where they set up every year.
“We have been organising this family get-together here at Dodson Land since Crop Over started. So far, it has been good and I hope it continues to be quiet and everybody enjoys themselves. Kadooment is getting bigger and better,” she said.
