More prize money available to young masqueraders

This year the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has increased the prizes in Sunshine Snacks Junior Kadooment by close to $50 000.

Twenty-three participating bands will cross the stage to face the judges – with each registered entity vying to win any of the $146 000 in prizes that are up for grabs.

Those judging under private bands have $97 400 in prize money while the bands under the Sandy Charitable Trust Junior Masquerade Project will vie for $48 700 in prize money.

For Crop Over’s golden anniversary, Stacia Bryan, event coordinator at the NCF, promises a memorable highlight of the milestone during this year’s staging of Junior Kadooment.

“The event will have a very special tribute to the 50th anniversary with masquerade and after show featuring Mikey, Brucelee Almightee, Peter Ram and Fadda Fox,” she said.

Bryan expects that the parade will be filled with creativity and flair featuring nods to local culture in grandiose designs. But she kept her cards close to her chest about the tribute: “That is one of my little secrets that I’m holding a little bit closer.”

On Saturday, July 20, at the National Botanical Gardens, Bryan has invited everyone to immerse themselves in a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

“Fifty years of a festival is not an easy feat!” she said. “It is a testament to the work that has been done through the Cultural Development Department [of the NCF]. And we are very happy with the results that we are seeing.”

Bryan was full of praise for the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust Junior Masquerade Project In Association With Abed’s initiative and the committed band leaders in the private sector.

The project and the band leaders, she said, are the lifeblood that transfers traditional skills and knowledge to younger generations to help them understand the art of costume-making and masquerading.

“It opens up children to cultural appreciation. We see Junior Kadooment as an investment into masquerade on a whole overall. And when you are able to expose young children to the masquerade genre, it opens up for them the interest in the Crop Over festival,” said Bryan.

Themes from cultural traditions, references to national heroes, and more from the Barbadian milieu could be expected to cross the stage when the juniors come out to play.

“Make it a day for the family. Watch the parade; be a part of the proceedings and enjoy Junior Kadooment on the 50th anniversary of Crop Over!,” Bryan said.

(PR)