Mixed reaction from vendors as Junior Kadooment returns to Waterford

This year’s Junior Kadooment returned to Waterford, St Michael, albeit with some adjustments to the set-up and the route, and it saw a mix of feedback from local vendors, who praised certain aspects while suggesting areas for improvement. While many vendors appreciated the overall organisation and new setups, there were calls for better advertising and more consideration for vendor competition.

One vendor in the Kid’s Zone, who chose to remain anonymous, highlighted issues with the festival’s advertising. “Business-wise, it’s not bad, but it would have been better if they advertised that there’s a kids zone where you have rides and toys,” she said. “I find a lot of times they take it for granted and assume that people will know that toys are there. But sometimes people aren’t thinking, and when they leave home, they don’t come out with the money.”

She noted, “A lot of people are coming up and saying, ‘Oh god, I wish I had more money to buy some.’ But you know, they really didn’t know or whatever. So, other than that, it’s okay. But I’m saying in their advertising they must do a pitch, letting people know that there are toys, there are rides, there’s food, and so on. They take it for granted that people will know it, but uh-uh.”

Popular vendor Roger Goodridge of The Do’s Toy City had a more positive outlook, praising the event’s organisation and setup. “It was good today. Everything was good today. Today the horns were selling, and if rain comes, the umbrellas are there. But it’s hot outside, as you can see,” he said. “I like this new setup. It was better because they took the masquerade into the schools and spread it more, and they had the route. They are more uniform in coming out and crossing the stage, and then they go right around the stadium, back into botanical gardens where they can have some fun.”

Goodridge added, “It’s more uniform this year to me than last year. It’s sweet to do business for me. You really want to flow, you know. You can see I’ve done a good job this year by changing up the routine for the children, you know.

Dwayne Philips, who was participating for the second time, noted a difference in sales compared to the previous year. “It ain’t going as quick as it did last year, I should say, because I’m not the only vendor out here in this area by the stage. Then I had no competition. Now it’s still moderate, still average,” he explained. Despite this, Philips acknowledged the efforts of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF). “You can still eat the food, you know. But yeah, the NCF has done a great job this year, I must say.”

He provided details to Barbados TODAY about his offerings, saying, “We sell a variety of everything. I have sno-cones, doughnuts, cookies, and muffins. Then, you know, you’ve got your sweet treats for children. I have soft drinks from the sponsors that I can only sell today. But you know, certain things can’t sell. My hot ticket item is mostly water. People want water, but the sno-cones and the donuts ain’t doing bad. You know what I mean. Nice, nice, nice.” (RG)