$50, 000 more in prize money for Junior Kadooment

This year the National Cultural Foundation 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.

Sunshine Snack Junior Kadooment is Saturday.

Those judging under private bands have $97 400 in prize money while the 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 Sunshine Snacks 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 with a smile.

While in the midst of preparation for the annual production where children get to ‘play mas’, she revealed how 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 [until that day].”

Costumes depicting a range of themes will be showcased.

That’s because Bryan wants you to experience it for yourself. On Saturday, July 20, at the National Botanical Gardens, she invites everyone to immerse themselves in a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

“Fifty years of a festival is not an easy feat!” she said.

This year, 23 registered bands -13 from communities and schools and 10 from private entities – will come together for the spectacle.

“It is a testament of 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,” she said.

Little ones of all ages come out to play mas at Junior Kadooment.

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 within 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 from seasoned artisans.

“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 can be expected to cross the stage when the juniors come out to play.

Little boys are also a part of the fun and frolic.

“And with the plans set in place for this year’s masquerade it will ensure that. After all, Crop Over only 50 once. You can bring the children to the Botanical Gardens. Even the ones who are not in the parade will still have activations that they can do.

“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 of the event which will feature an after-party and a kid zone filled with thrilling rides and exciting games. (PR)