To The Editor:
After presiding for four days and nights overseeing six very successful, live cultural events for both adults and children, WIADCA shined throughout Labor Day Monday – in spite the few showers that could not dampen the exuberant spirits of thousands of costumed revelers from 40 masquerade bands that danced down Eastern Parkway. In the Large Bands category: 1st was Ramajay Mas, winning Band of the Year; 2nd was Sesame Flyers Inteenational and 3rd, Kaios International. Adult Queen was Kay Mason from Borokeetes, and Adult King — Shawn Antenor from DiMidas International. Winners of the Steelband Panorama competition were: 1st – CASYM, 2nd – Pan Sonatas and 3rd — D’Rados. For a complete list of winners, please go to www.wiadcacarnival.org.
Even though Mayor Bloomberg did not make it to the breakfast due to a lengthy press conference, he and Commissioner Kelly did make it to the starting point to begin the parade on time. The high-powered VIP Champagne Breakfast that is held before the Parade of Bands never attracted so many politicians and those who want to be something or another – both inside the large tent and outside, were jammed with those seeking the spotlight. It was no better on the parade route, with scores of political groups bearing hand-held signs that made the “Carnival” look more like a political rally, to the dismay of a majority of on-lookers.
WIADCA express sincere appreciation to its loyal sponsors:- Con Edison, Healthfirst, Guinness, WBLS 107.5FM Radio, CIN, Delta Airlines, McDonalds, MCU, Bacardi USA, Emblem Health, Money Gram, Forest City Ratner, Caribbean Life, United Federation of Teachers, Transit Workers Union, Brooklyn Museum, CUNY; and supporters like Metro Plus, Brookdale Hospital, Berkeley College, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Digicel, Carib Beer, St. Francis College, WWRL AM Radio, NY Daily News, HOT 97 FM Radio, CaRdo International and many others who placed ads in our Annual Journal or provided in-kind services.
WIADCA appreciates the continued support of its corporate sponsors, elected leadership, the NYPD, Parks, EMS, Fire, DOT, Transit and Sanitation Departments. Likewise, the Mas’ and Steel bands and millions of loyal fans, members and hundreds of volunteers who joined together to make the 46th Annual Carnival Parade a safe and resounding success.
WIADCA thanks the general public and law enforcement for an incident-free Carnival – with no crimes committed on the Parade route during the event.
Plans are already underway for 2014. WIADCA invites the general public to continue checking its website: www.wiadcacarnival.org and email: wiadcainc@gmail.com for regular updates.
Jean Alexander, WIADCA spokeswoman
