Posted by: Editor on Aug 17, 2006 – 12:44 PM
shows Final plans are in the works to have the Valley Boys, winners of the 2nd Annual Feel the Rush Junkanoo Parade held in Grand Bahama on August 6, perform in Bimini.
The event, which is being coordinated by Peter Adderley, is in response to the call for the parade now to be held on that island. Mr. Adderley said the parade would be held on Saturday, August 26.
The Feel The Rush Parade in Grand Bahama paid homage to Bimini as Junkanoo groups depicted the history, culture and life of the island.
The various groups explored themes like “Bimini the Gem of The Bahamas”, depicted by the Valley Boys. One Family took on the challenge of portraying the “Hidden Wonders and Mysteries”; Saxons paraded under the theme “Our Sunshine Bahamas”, and the Grand Bahama All Stars portrayed “Gateway to The Bahama, Let the Show Begin”.
Mr. Adderley said Bimini was an appropriate place to honour in light of the Chalk”s Ocean Airways plane crash last December, which killed 12 Bimini residents.
“After the tragedy in Bimini, hundreds of Biminites have come to Grand Bahama. They feel good about who they are, their history, the people, the warmth, the kindness, the hospitable nature of Biminites, and the physical challenge of Bimini. It is a hidden treasure,” Mr. Adderley said.
He added that it was encouraging to have the four top groups in the country depict Bimini and it was “uplifting for those residents.”
Mr. Adderely said other activities are planned surrounding the Bimini parade. These, he said, will include a Junkanoo skills competition on Friday, August 25; a Junkanoo workshop the following day; and an art competition for students.
Saturday night, a full street parade featuring the Valley Boys is planned, and on Sunday, a church service.
Mr. Adderley said the leaders of the Junkanoo group are excited about the opportunity to visit Bimini and provide a positive impact on its cultural and economic life.
“This will again be a boost for domestic tourism, and we expect [the parade] to be a draw for Bimini”s international following,” he said.
By Daphne McIntosh, The Bahama Journal