The annual Caribbean-style Carnival parade will be held on June 28, 2008 and President of the Carnival Bandleaders Association, CBLA, of Washington, DC, Claudia Carter, says that plans are virtually finalized for the event that will once again take place on Georgia Avenue, NW.
Ms. Carter commented on a number of issues related to the hosting of the event, revealing that a lot of work has been going on behind the scenes with the 15 respective CBLA masquerade bands to finalize their preparations. She said, “Ideally, two months before the carnival, most bands already know what their portrayals will be and are hard at work preparing their prototypes for display to prospective players. Band launchings and fund-raisers are already taking place.”
She went on to add that this year, what will be different overall, would be improved planning of the carnival parade. “We are working with the organizing body to ensure that the proper infrastructure is in place for a smooth and timely parade. For example, we have asked for a location, as close to the parade route as possible, where the music trucks can be assembled, a staging area for judging, improved crowd control and most importantly, better collaboration with the police authorities.” Ms. Carter said that efforts are continuous to improve the relationship between both bodies.
She further stated that, “The organizing body of the carnival holds meetings in the months leading up to the Carnival (with the law enforcement agencies, i.e., police, emergency management and rescue) to review and set the rules and regulations for the parade. The role of the police as we understand it is to make sure the parade starts and ends on time and to ensure the smooth flow of the parade by keeping the spectators on the sides so that the bands can fully portray their presentations.
“We have requested to have a representative from our association present at all future planning meetings with law enforcement as a means to further educate the authorities on the nature of our parade and the specific needs of the bands that would ensure a smoother and timelier flow of the parade. By being included, it would help to eliminate some of the misunderstandings and mis-communication with law enforcement that often occurs on the day of the parade. Our request has not yet been granted but we continue to push on,” Carter added.
The CBLA was formed in 1995, two years after the DC Carnival parade was launched on Georgia Avenue. The bandleaders came together to ensure that their interests were taken into consideration in the planning of the event, to share experiences, and to raise funds collectively to offset the enormous expenses that arise from putting a band on the road.
Meanwhile, in additional comments on some issues related to the annual carnival, Vice President Lester Richards has said that the CBLA has not received any official sponsorship since its reorganization two years ago. He said, “We, have, however, been granted favors by establishments in the area to use their facilities to hold meetings and events. This year, we have been working with a local corporate entity who has expressed an interest in providing sponsorship. We look forward to receiving a positive response from this corporation, as well as to increase our sponsorship drive in the next year.”
The 2007 Carnival was a success – the level of participation increased for most of the bands, there was an increase in the number of large pieces, CBLA obtained insurance coverage for all of its bands, and there was also an increase in spectators, the largest number since 2003.
This year, expectations are high about being able to get some financial assistance from the District Government which would help to decrease the price of the costumes and hopefully attract more people to play mas (join the street parade in costumes). The CBLA has on its team a number of experienced mas makers (wire benders) and is working to create a method whereby they can coach and mentor the less experienced bandleaders in producing their bands.
For more information, contact Jason Inanga: cbladc@yahoo.com
