THE RHYTHMIC SOUND of the tuk band, the mauby sellers with their buckets, Mother Sallies, shaggy bears and stiltwalkers made up the scaled down parade of the First Citizens Crop Over Opening Gala and Ceremonial Delivery Of The Last Canes today at King George V Memorial Park in St Philip.
While still colourful, the small numbers of about 100 people on parade stood out as the crowd gathered to watch the annual spectacle far outnumbered them.
The Royal Barbados Police Force Band played the National Anthem before Antoine Brudda Daddy Williams did his dramatic “speechify” piece, while emcee Belle Holder welcomed the dignitaries.
The expansive park held various activity areas such as the youth zone with road tennis; the community centre with the Q In The Community regulars and the playing area with tents set for the floodlit tattoo.
No parade would be complete without the tuk band.
Comet the donkey drew the drey cart loaded with canes and the figure of Mr Harding to the front of the stage where the Blessings Of The Cane were delivered by the Sons Of God Apostolic Spiritual Baptist Church.
Dance was done by various groups, while National Cultural Foundation chairman Maureen Graham and CEO of First Citizen Bank Ms Carole Jn-Marie Eleuthere delivered remarks.
Of special note was the entrance of the two Most Outstanding Sugar Workers (Factory) for the Crop Over 2017 Awards who were nominated by their peers.
Items for sale at the Opening Gala.
Francine Belgrave, the only female electrician at Portvale Factory, and pan boiler Cedric Eastmond, collected prizes after being transported into the venue by horse and buggy. (NS)
The crowd gathering at King George V Memorial Park in St Philip.
The Spiritual Baptists played their customary role in the Opening Gala.
A car fit for a king or a queen.
