Out to watch party

THERE was hardly space along the route from Bank Hall to Eagle Hall, St Michael, yesterday as hundreds lined the connecting streets to view the bands as they travelled by.Young and old stood along the road, sat on lounge chairs or guard walls and packed patios from as early as 9 a.m. and waited patiently as band after band of costumed revellers passed by, jumping and wukking up to the popular calypso songs blaring from the trucks.Of course, the bands stopped long enough for the spectators to take in the sights and sounds of the colourfully turned out revellers. Many armed with cellphones and cameras made sure that they snapped photographs of the revelry.Some of the band members took the opportunity to throw gifts such as beads, condoms and drinks to people in the crowd. Band members also cooled down at the water station next to the Esso gas station in Eagle Hall. The operator obliged and turned the hose on as band members chanted “Water! Water!”Personnel from the police and Defence Force were also on hand to direct traffic and ensure that the public remained behind the barricades.And even though some overexcited spectators took the opportunity to jump next to the bands, security was so tight that they were kept at bay.Vendors also did extremely well selling local fare such as fish cakes, pudding and souse, various cutters, as well as drinks, ice cream and sno-cones.