Hello all,
Today is Sunday, July 29th, but I’m going to tell you all about yesterday, and the adventures of Kid’s Carnival. I say I, but this is more a joint project between the crew except for Lucy (because she was sleeping).
Carnival is an annual few day festival with activities such as (very) loud music and memorable, authentic Grenadian dancing. There’s lots of delicious food and colorful costumes and everyone is celebrating. Kid’s Carnival is the same idea, but it’s toned down, and is just one day for the kiddos. Don’t get me wrong – it’s still loud and spicy – but it’s much more appropriate for the youngsters.
We started our day in Prickly Bay, a small anchorage where we stayed while visiting family for a week (more on that later). We had yogurt and made some of the most delicious Mac and Cheese I have ever eaten in my life. After a lazy morning, we set off on a quick sail before dropping anchor in St. George’s. After finding a new spot for home Dad, Mom, Fenton, Heidi, & Sally, brought the dinghy into the jetty and walked along the beach to the mall where the Kid’s Carnival took place. We could easily hear the noise of the festival from the jetty before the ten minute walk.
The carnival took place on a big field with small tents holding vendors, food, music, toys, bubbles, horses, go-karts, and a stage with a DJ. Right away, we met up with some local family friends and Sally and the 11 year old girl, Leanna, got in line for horseback riding. The line took fooooooorever but we got some snow cones so everything was okay. Sally and Leanna waited very patiently and finally ended up on a horse. Lots of smiles.
The show started soon after the horses finished. The show started with a local youth dancing group. They were 5 and 6 year olds. They were adorable, and they had a lot of potential for the future. After that, we watched people dance in competitions to win soda. Then we watched emerging Soca artists. I don’t know a lot about Soca, but I do know that it’s loud and fast. It’s fun to listen to and watch. After that, we got to see royalty. Little Miss Grenada 2k18 took the stage, and she talked briefly about making Grenada a happier place, before strutting off majestically.
Finally, we got to the part everyone had been waiting for. We got to see characters such as Dora, Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Ben 10, Mickey & Minnie Mouse. The best part was they all danced! The dancing was spicy, but it was enjoyable. We will never be able to see these characters again in the same way.
We left soon after due to some technical difficulties, hurting ears, hungry children, and one kid and our dog back home. It was a fun filled very Grenadian evening. We will never forget the way some local kids can move, the feeling of the music coming from everywhere, and the overall excitement flowing through the air.
We can’t wait for Carnival.
~Fenton & Heidi