The August holiday week in Anguilla was a time of merriment not only for hundreds of Anguillians, but many tourists and other persons who poured into the island for the 2009 Summer Festival. They all converged on the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre where various shows were held, on the streets for jam sessions, a colourful parade of troupes and the attendant series of exciting boat races.

Of much appreciation and relief this year was the fact that, apart from a few incidents, there were no serious cases of crime or violence, the only mishap being the unfortunate death of a youngster who fell from a music band truck and succumbed to his injuries.

Though there was a high visibility of local police and personnel from security companies from St. Martin/St. Maarten, the movement and enjoyment of the massive crowds at the village, on the streets and at the boat-racing sites were in no way inhibited by their presence. In fact, for many, it provided feelings of comfort, relaxation and, of course, security.

The main events began at Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre with the official opening of the Summer Festival. The activities included the Heineken-sponsored boat race at Sandy round on Sunday, August 2, with large numbers of people and boats in attendance from Anguilla and St. Maarten in particular. Monday, August 3, was J-ouvert Morning, a sunrise street jam from the Landsome Bowl to Sandy Ground where there was also the mass Caribbean beach party and the August Monday Boat Race. (See results of races elsewhere in The Anguillian).

Tuesday, August 4, saw the Island Harbour Boat Race and at the Landsome Bowl, the CCB Talented Team Competition, The winner of the Miss CCB title was 14-year-old Di-Maria Bryan of Little Harbour. First runner-up was Leesha Lake of Blowing Point, 15; and second runner-up was Easter Mingo of South Hill. They all received cash prizes and other gift items.

Wednesday, August 5, was the Sandy Ground Boat race and the Calypso Monarch & Female Calypso Competition. Repeater is the new Calypso Monarch having gained the title from the Mighty Springer Queen B won the female Calypso Monarch Competition, thus retaining her title. First runner-up was Calypso Ro and second runner-up, Lady Messenger.

Thursday, August 6, was the August Thursday Boat Race at Meads Bay and the Miss Anguilla Queens Pageant at Landsome Bowl. The new Miss Anguilla is Sangrena Harris, 20, of North Side and an employee at the Post Office. She succeeds Fanny Richardson, holder of last year’s title. Sangrena received EC$10,000 plus $5,000 for Best Introductory Speech. First runner-up was Samantha Connor-Moore received $5,000 as well as $5,000 for Best Interview. Each of the other two contestants got $2,000.

Friday, August 7, was the Grand Parade of Troupes, a mass and colourful display in The Valley area with some four bands on trucks and trailers slowly moving along the streets. Saturday, August 8, was Last Lap and the 13th Annual Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch Competition. That competition was won by King Konris of St. Kitts. There were other competitors from Anguilla, Antigua, Nevis, St. Maarten, St. Martin, British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands.

Sunday, August 9, was the Champion of Champion Boat Race at Sandy Ground. It was won by Satellite with an overall score of 42 points, followed by De Tree with 32. Real Deal with 27, Bluebird with 23 and SuperStar with 22 points.

Meanwhile, the 2009 prizes for the bands and troupes were released as follows: Band Clash winner; BETTA Band: EC$5,000; first runner-up: PANTHA WIBES: $3,000. Second runner-up: EXODUS BAND: $3,000. Band –O-Rama winner: Motion Band: $1,000. Best Show Performance: BETTA BAND: $500. Most

Positive Song: BETTA BAND: $500. Most Improved Band: EXODUS BAND: $500. Best New Band: JAM ACTION: $500. Road March Song: Exodus Band: (Cut Them Off) $5,000.

Parade of Troupes: Largest Troupe: Valley Community; Most Colourful: Valley Community; Most Cultural: Classic Old Timers; Queen of the Band, Valley Community; Best Visiting Troupe: Dominican Presence; First Runner-up: Six Elements of Beauty & Glamour; Second runner-up: Juluca Jumpers. Winner of 2009 Parade; Valley Community.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News