Kids bounce, wave to Machel and SuperBlue

Decked out in splendid costumes, thousands of children provided a burst of colour at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, yesterday, as they crossed the stage before the judges. 

Accompanied by adults, they jumped and paraded in the early morning’s blistering sun to Machel Montano’s Float and SuperBlue’s Fantastic Friday. 

Many of the older children went into a frenzy when they heard “water and powder” and “get off the ground.”

Yesterday’s Republic Bank 2013 Junior Parade of the Bands saw 103 mini, small, medium and large bands crossing the stage in an array of colour and creative designs.

There were eight large, 19 medium, 45 mini and 31 small bands.

The national anthem was played at 10.20 am and afterwards there was a constant flow of bands. 

Toddlers to energetic teenagers played as fancy sailors, Cherokee Indians, Iroquois, insects, dame lorraines, Roman emperors and other traditional characters.

Several adults manoeuvred strollers carrying their sleeping tots while moving to the music. 

Mas veteran Rosalind Gabriel, who has captured the Children’s Band of the Year competition title over a dozen times, produced Lost in Paradise—A Nancy Story in the creative category. 

Her first section—Wild Blossom—took to the stage at 12.16 pm and about 20 minutes later the last section—Night Watchers—ended the presentation. 

Among the other sections in Gabriel’s large band presentation were Shady Palms, Moon Glow, Rhythm of the Forest and Mischief Makers.

Some of the other themes included Fantasy, Beneath the Sea, A Tropical Life, Warriors Are We, Black and White, Sweet T&T and Things that Fly.