Thomas Bailey, president of the West Indian American Day Carnival Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) said this year’s Brooklyn carnival festival will be “bigger, better and bolder.” The famous showcase will honor and recognize the historic occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Independence for Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, Bailey said.
Jamaican Reggae superstar, Mr. Vegas, will join Trinidad and Tobago Soca Maestro, Machel Montano on stage in an event designed to honor both Caribbean nations for achieving the important milestones in their national development.
In April this year, WIADCA underwent an administrative change, electing Mr. Bailey as their new president, along with a new board of directors,mwhom have working around the clock, putting the final touches on the 45th Annual Labor Day Carnival Festival & Parade.
The 2012 Labor Day program of activities is as follows:
~ Thursday, Aug. 30: All levels of masquerade contests: “Ole Mas” to Kings & Queens of the Bands. Including top calypso artists.
~ Friday, Aug.31: Top Soca & Reggae artists will headline the popular Brass Fest. On stage will be Trinidad’s premier Soca Maestro, Machel Montano and Reggae Superstar, Mr. Vegas from Jamaica, along with a huge cast of top-notch performers from Barbados, Dominica and other islands.
~ Friday, Aug. 31: (Daytime) free Cultural Youth Stay-In-School Program.
~ Saturday, Sept. 1: WIADCA’s eagerly-awaited Steelband Panorama Competition
~ Saturday, Sept. 1: (Daytime) Junior Carnival and Competition
~ Sunday, Sept. 2: Dimanche Gras: All-Star line-up, including: Calypso Rose, Shadow, King Ajamu, Black Stalin and many others, along with winners of all competitions; Something Positive Dance Troupe and (direct from Trinidad & Tobago) traditional characters including “pan-around-the-neck” steelband musicians.
~ Monday, Sept. 3: Grand marshals from Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and New York, along with scores of “who’s who” including: the youngest ever parade grand marshal, Machel Montano; New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, parade sponsors and leading politicians, the giant carnival parade of thousands of colorful, costumed revelers and millions of spectators will enjoy the pulsating music, spectacle, camaraderie, fun, food and friends.
“WIADCA is now in the final planning stages of its Festival Program, with an impressive line-up of artists and activities for the four days and nights at the Brooklyn Museum grounds located at 200 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn,” said WIADCA spokeswoman, Jean Alexander.
The celebration culminates with the gigantic Labor Day Carnival Parade where an estimated 40 masquerade bands and some three million jubilant spectators and supporters from around the world will converge on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn — from Schenectady Avenue to Grand Army Plaza, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Labor Day, September 3, 2012.
WIADCA’s theme for this year: “Caribbean History, Culture & Unity” reflects a renewed commitment to work together while acknowledging a common and shared heritage,” Bailey said. “Additionally, the New WIADCA Team understands that without the full support of its corporate sponsors, elected leadership, supporters of Mas & Steelbands and millions of loyal fans, there will not be a carnival festival.”
The organization is hard at work reorganizing all of its operations while executing its 2012 Carnival Festival program,” Bailey added.
“In this light, WIADCA has held a number of high-level meetings with NYPD (Brooklyn South Command) and have been assured that every security precaution will be taken to protect masqueraders, spectators, and other participants throughout the Festival and Parade. Assistant Chief Thomas Chan has made it clear that the protection of the general public and ensuring that the festival is fun-filled and safe, is his top priority.”
“WIADCA will continue to provide regular updates, however, the public is invited to check out its new website to get more information, purchase tickets and /or make a donation to support the Mas & Steelband Programs at Brooklyn Museum at: www.wiadcacarnival.org. the WIADCA president said.
