The Junior Carnival Queen Pageant and Junior Carnival Calypso & Roadmarch Competition are the first shows up for Carnival 2011. Both events will be held on Sunday March 27 at 4:00pm at the Celebration Palace on Bush Road. Entrance for the combined show is US $10 or Naf. 18. There will be no tickets on sale in advance, persons need only pay the entrance price when they arrive at the venue.
Four young ladies, between the ages of 6 and 10, will be competing in the junior pageant. Caelann Moore, Dashannique Pascal, Zaysha Sinclair and Joliyah Abram have been rehearsing for weeks in preparation for their big day. They will make five appearances, introduction/opening dance, talent, culture wear, Carnival costume and evening wear. The media will also be featuring the girls individually over the next few weeks as the show draws closer.
The Junior Queen Contestants will share the stage on March 27 with 9 singers of the Junior Carnival Calypso & Roadmarch Competition, the most competitors the show has had in a few years. Reigning Junior Calypso Queen Erissa "Lady Upsetter" Cozier" and reigning Roadmarch King Rickyshio Bertie will try to hold on to their crowns against determined competition.
"It is important that these juniors get public support. They work just as hard as anyone else in Carnival in preparing for their event," President of the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) Stuart Johnson said.
"Of course the foundation would like to see a great turnout on March 27, but the bigger picture here is sustaining the Junior shows. A big part of it has to do with support. If they don't get the support, they get discouraged. Their parents are doing a terrific job now we hope that the public will reward all the hard work by simply showing up to support these children," Johnson said.
