Children excite in Mashramani parade
Stabroek News
February 22, 2004
Good clean fun was how one observer described this year's Children's Mashra-mani Parade, even suggesting the adults could learn a thing or two from it.
The parade took off from the YMCA ground in Thomas Lands and moved immediately to the Eve Leary ground for the judging.
Leading the way were ten nursery schools with such costumes as 'Queen of the Balloon' by the Turkeyen Nursery School, 'Market Splendour' by East Ruimveldt Nursery, Green Acres Nursery with 'Atlantis' and Happy Hearts Nursery with their 'War on Bad Manners.'
The primary schools then took over dealing with such topics as 'Guyana and its Resources' displayed by the Thomas More Primary. The Ketley Primary School made two appearances using 'Pageantry and more in 2004' and 'Beauty Lies in Diversity.' But grabbing the crowd's attention was the North Georgetown Primary with 'Queen of Queens.'
Mahdia Secondary School went out first with their float called 'The School Community in Unity.' But it was Marian Academy once again with 'Jewels of The Nile' which outshone the rest in their light blue, white and gold costumes.
The students had choreographed their own dance to "Balloon City." In the Individual Floats category were St Ambrose Primary, Dolphin Secondary and Happy Hearts Primary. The regions made sure that they were well represented with outstanding floats being 'Harmonising in Region Four', 'Unity and Beauty Galore in 2004' from Region Seven and 'Splendour Blend' from Region Three. For the youth groups, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Hinterland Scholarship Programmes, the Craft Production and Design Division, Z-bra Children's Network, the National School of Dance and the Metro Youth Football Club took to the stage.
Most of the costumes were not only elaborate, but intricate, indicating care and attention by children and their teachers. Topco Juices and PAHO/WHO provided sponsorship for yesterday's activities. After the judging was complete the children continued their parade around town drawing large crowds.