The blur of vibrant colors and sounds might have passed by in a moment, but Saturday’s Adult Parade was weeks in the making for the many troupes in this year’s Carnival finale.
With 52 entries that included multiple musical groups and hundreds of brightly costumed dancers, the 61st St. Thomas Carnival came to a conclusion over the weekend as the Adult Parade wound its way through Main Street.
And while just participating in one of the island’s most popular celebrations was the major draw for most, garnering awards for best troupe and best band was the icing on the cake for all who took part.
“The Gypsies believe in glitter that’s for sure,” said troupe member and former Carnival Queen Daphne Harley. “I have been ‘coming up the road’ with the Gypsies since 2006 and always have the best time.”
The Gypsies hold a general meeting of all members once a week on weekends and after work beginning in March to help plan each year’s event. A large pre-parade party gets everyone in the spirit and a celebratory post-parade picnic provides a wind-down for marchers and organizers alike.
As themed costumes play a most significant role in the parade, the responsibility of organizing seamstresses, taking sizes and ordering props falls upon troupe director Judy Watson. On the average, each costume costs roughly $300. For Watson, being a Gypsy is a longstanding family tradition as she follows in her father’s footsteps, troupe founder Gerald Nicholson.
“We are so proud and happy to have won this year,” said Watson. “The annual parade is a labor of love that we all look forward to.”
This year’s troupe theme, “A Medical Scene,” paid homage to member Dr. Alfred O. Heath, a Gypsy for over 50 years. Doctors wore lime green silk surgical smocks complete with stethoscopes while others were dressed as candy stripers bearing pill trays and oversize syringes. The occasional smiling patient was interspersed throughout the marchers providing comical moments for the onlookers gathered along the mile long route.
Adult Parade Winners:
TROUPES UNDER 50
- WINNER – Caribbean Ritual Dancers
- 1st RUNNER-UP – The Jesters Carnival Troupe Presents “A Hibiscus Fantasy”
- 2nd RUNNER-UP – PARTY LOVERS
TROUPES 50 – 100
- WINNER – What-AH Party Carnival Troupe
- 1st RUNNER-UP – University of the Virgin Islands
- 2nd RUNNER-UP – Bobby and the Moo Moo’s
TROUPE OVER 100
- WINNER – The Gypsy Troupe Presents: “Gypsies Medical Scene”
FLOUPE UNDER 100
- WINNER – Elskoe & Associates Presents: “Crick-Crack”
FLOUPE 300 & OVER
- WINNER – Hugga Bunch Presents: “Tahitian Splendure”
MAJORETTES
- WINNER – Sebastien Majorettes
TRADITIONAL
- WINNER – St. Thomas Tropical Masqueraders
- 1st RUNNER-UP – Traditional Indians
