The St James Community Improvement Committee is gearing up to host its annual prize-giving ceremony for the 2024 Children’s Carnival Parade, scheduled for July 19 at the St Agnes Parish Hall in St James. The event, set to kick off at 10 am, will honor winners in various categories and recognize the hard work and dedication of junior participants, bandleaders, and supporters.
According to a media release, prizes will be awarded to large, medium, small, and mini bands, kings and queens, as well as male and female individuals of the year. A total of 22-plus individuals in various age groups will also receive awards. Additionally, bands showcasing exceptional talent and creativity in categories such as best creative topical, best out of town, most original, best effort, and the prestigious Yvonne Mungal Challenge Trophy for the Band of the Year will be presented. Classix Productions took home the coveted title for their presentation Carnival.
The St James Children’s Carnival Parade plays a vital role in celebrating and nurturing the artistic talents of the youth while instilling a sense of community pride, as highlighted in the release. Keron Moraldo, a member of the organizing committee, expressed excitement over celebrating the achievements of the young performers, emphasizing their inspiring creativity and enthusiasm, which have significantly contributed to the cherished tradition.
This year, more bands participated in the competition along the Western Main Road in St James, where they were judged in front of the St James Amphitheatre and Park. The parade, a brainchild of the late Ken Valley and staged by the late Yvonne Mungal of the St James Working Council, will mark its 35th anniversary in 2025. The committee has ambitious plans to commemorate this milestone with an event that aims to rival its senior counterpart, the National Carnival Commission (NCC) Junior Parade of the Bands.
