United Community Centers (UCC) Mas in East New York, Brooklyn will be portraying “A Day at the Circus” for the very first time in competing in the Junior Carnival in the Brooklyn-based West Indian American Day Association’s (WIADCA) Carnival.
“I just want to do something fun and whimsical to introduce carnival to our young kids,” Diana Barnes, band leader, designer and executive director at the center, 613 New Lots Ave., told Caribbean Life exclusively at the mas camp. “By doing the circus, that’s something they know, and they’ll be happy to portray the costumes.
“All the children will be playing for the first time – about 35-50,” added Harlem-born Barnes, who was introduced to carnival and mas by her Trinidadian friends and associates. “The costumes are very detailed.
“The biggest thing about this band, they’re (children) doing it for the first time,” she continued. “They represent the early learned centers, age 2-5.”
Barnes said UCC is also portraying “A Day at the Circus” to “bring awareness for the need for pay parity between early learned staff and NYC Department of Education staff.”
She said “A Day at the Circus” comprises five sections: Jester, Cotton Candy, Animal Tamer, Clowns and Lioness.
Guyanese-born, Brownsville, Brooklyn resident Tiffiny Wilson said her twin, 4-year-old daughters, Adree and Asiaa, will be portraying “Girl Clown” and “Lioness”, respectively.
“They’re going to have fun,” she said. “It’s a great experience for them.”
“I’m happy to see the kids down the road (on the parade route),” added Wilson, who had participated in Guyana’s carnival, known as Mashramani, before she migrated to Brooklyn eight years ago. “I’m going to put on my costume, too.”
King Walker, the African American granddad of Sariyah Fletcher, 3, who brings her to and picks her up from the center every day, said he is proud that she will be portraying “Cotton Candy” in the carnival.
“It’s a new experience,” said the Hempstead, Long Island resident. “If you think positive, you can have pictures to show in the future. She’s (Sariyah) going to be a little something.”
Nigerian Favour Cookeygam had no qualms that her son, Zane, 2, will be portraying “Animal Tamer.”
“It’s ok,” said the Brooklyn resident. “It’s what the other kids are doing.”
Toyana Williams, an East New York resident, whose grandparents hail from Trinidad and Tobago, said she is happy that her son, Ezekiel, 3, will be portraying “Jester.”
“I feel good,” she said. “I may not remember it, but later, he can relate to his heritage.”
Barnes said DJ Kevin will provide soca music to the young masqueraders.
She can be reached at (347) 715-8617.
