It was an evening which brought families together in a relaxed fun-filled atmosphere.
The paradox of it all was that the venue was one which normally would have been filled with an air of expectancy of a call to action to bring relief to someone who was in danger from fire or some similar traumatic circumstance.
The Barbados Fire Service compound on Probyn Street, The City, came alive on Saturday with the buzz of children and adults some of whom were rekindling the fire in their lives. Interestingly enough, the officers of the Barbados Fire Service were still mindful of their jobs and were busy showcasing the various elements of their work to many eager youngsters.
Fire safety was also foremost in their minds as demonstrated by the offer of a fire prevention package in one of their fun activities.
The fun fair was the final in a list of events which were part of the programme for the Barbados Fire Service week of activities. Quite naturally, they used this fun activity to make children from various schools familiar with this essential service.
Hopey The Clown was prominent as we entered the compound and seemed to be a magnet for the little ones as he transformed balloons into various shapes. Appearing to be quite a natural at his job ,he confirmed this by telling us that he had been performing this role at various events for about 15 years.
The pretty painted faces of children and adults drew our attention to the face painting being performed by Peggy Scott and her sister Tracey. Peggy, who spent many years in the field of indigenous entertainment as a creative dancer, limbo dancer and Mother Sally showcasing her talent to both locals and tourists, has followed a career path which has seen her focusing on bringing enjoyment to children. In more recent times, she has added the rental of children’s fun games to her offerings.
As we walked around, we witnessed the joy, excitement and thrill which some of her games brought not only to the children but to the adults who attended the fun fair. The fun included rock climbing, Spiderman castle, toddler castle, and mechanical bull. One of the adults who tried the ride on the mechanical bull was Tracey Knight, who having dared a friend to take a ride on the bull, found herself rising to the occasion when she was told that once she did it he would follow.
When she descended from the back of the bull, she said: “It feels good. It was a thrill.”
Children’s toys were also available for sale. We caught up with a trio in one of the booths who themselves seemed to be having a great time based on the face painting to which they had subjected themselves. Cheryl Blackman, who has been engaged in selling children’s toys for over 15 years at several fun and business events, was joined by Avalon and Ann Layne.
Meanwhile, DJ David Clarke of Yardie Sound Systems, kept filling the air with local and Caribbean music. The lively deejay admitted that he loved to see people enjoying themselves.
“I love to see people having a good time,” he quipped.
The folks at the Fire Service fun fair did have a good time. The officers of the service who were members of the planning committee for the week of activities ensured that that these folks enjoyed this slice of Bajan life.
