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'55 Years Old and Still Going Strong' — Carnival 2007 begins with the young

Feb. 3, 2007 — The 2007 carnival kicked off Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Tutu Park Mall Center Court with the formal introductions of the candidates for prince and princess, greeted by a large crowd cheering them on.
Music and dance filled the crowded mall as parents, friends and supporters began to prepare for Carnival 2007, the annual high point of island life. Six contestants for this year's queen joined the three elementary-school couples. Warming up the crowd were carnival troupes, the St. Thomas Majorettes and Chaka Zulu dancers.
"You thought you were just going to have a quiet afternoon of shopping," said a voice booming out of the PA system. "We have brought you 55 years of music, mas and rhythm. It's time to do it again for 2007." The large crowd of parents and onlookers were treated to dancing by three age groups from the St. Thomas Majorettes.
Much to the delight of the children in the audience, the couples were introduced by cartoon luminaries Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants. The prince and princess couples for 2007 are Shequia Williams and Jelani Petersen from Yvonne Milliner-Bowsky Elementary School, Anecia Ayala and Tyrell Mitcham from Ulla F. Muller School and Jahmalikye Richardson and Kai Ayea Westbrook from Joseph Sibilly School.
The winning couples' school will receive a $2000 incentive from the Executive Committee of the V.I. Carnival.
The young couples knew why they were there. Anecia Ayala told the audience, "As our nation celebrates Black History month, let us not forget to embrace our V.I. culture and history. Our carnival is 55 years old and still going strong. Happy Birthday Carnival!"
This year's contestants for Carnival Queen are Esonica Veira, Alanna John, Zsavon Smith, Beige Auradou and Latisha Blyden. All are 17 years old and seniors in high school.
Each of the islands in the territory has its own unique carnival. The celebration in April on St. Thomas is known far and wide for its wide variety of events, customs, activities and traditions. This year, UVI and Lionel Roberts Stadium will host events with rides and a midway in the Fort Christiansted parking lot. Carnival begins on April 8 with the selection of the 2007 prince and princess. As always, the month-long celebration will end on April 28 with an 8 to 10-hour grand parade down Charlotte Amalie's Main Street.
This year's couples are sponsored by Metro Motors, Boolchands and Diamonds International.
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