Overcast skies and drizzles were not enough to dampen the 2018 FLOW Oistins Fish Festival on Saturday.
And despite the late start of some events, including the always exciting Chefette Greasy Pole and Parade Of The Southern Districts, participants and spectators still had a good time.
Around 3:30 p.m. the Centuries Corps of Drums of Barbados led the parade from Granny’s Restaurant along Oistins Main Road, to the delight of the spectators who captured the event on their cell phones and tablets.
They were followed by the Sunshine Dancers and cheerleaders from several secondary schools, including Harrison College, Deighton Griffith and Princess Margaret. Each group performed highly choreographed routines to the sweet sounds of soca music, before making a U-turn to their starting point.
Meanwhile, the group from Scarborough made light work of the Greasy Pole competition once again. Members combined agility and teamwork to reach the top of the slippery pole on their first try and in a short time.
On the beach, Stanton Thomas was earning his tenth net-throwing title.
As is customary, the sidewalks of the southern town were filled with numerous vendors who displayed their goods to the curious people who stopped to look at what was on offer.
It was a great day for Shalana’s Natural Wines, as both tourists and locals lined up to sample the best of the products.
“Today has been going great. We always do well here and this is our fourth time coming. We find that while locals like our sweet wines, tourists love the dry ones, but they always receive them well,” one of the sales representatives said.
Similarly, visual artist and sculptor Cecil Webb said he always loved going to the festival because he got the opportunity to tell others about his work.
“When I come out I get to answer people’s questions about something that I painted or a sculpture that I carved out of wood. People are surprised at the things I can make,” Webb said. (TG)
