Brooklyn, New York
-- In closing out what has been one of the most
challenging years of its 42 years existence, the
West Indian American Day Carnival Association
(WIADCA) will distribute prizes to all winners
of the annual Labor Day Parade and festival. The
much anticipated prize giving ceremony will take
place on Monday December 21st at the Brooklyn
Borough Hall located at 209 Joralemon Street in
downtown Brooklyn.
Despite numerous financial hurdles experienced
this year, Yolanda Lezama-Clark was optimistic
that the Association is in a position to keep
its commitment to the artisans who were in this
year’s winners’ circle. “In 41 years the
Association has never faltered in our financial
commitment to the bands and individuals who
compete in the parade,” says Lezama-Clark. “This
year will be no different despite the global
economic downturn and a decline in our corporate
sponsorship dollars and a depletion of other
funding streams.”
At a meeting held last month at the
Association’s headquarters, band leaders and
individuals who won prizes in all the
competitive categories of the carnival were
informed that there would be a short delay in
this year’s prize distribution.
“We asked the
bands to be patient with us while we were in a
holding pattern for some of our funding
dollars,” says Lezama-Clark (pictured). ”Our desire was to
ensure that all winners were paid at the same
time. I am happy to announce that, as always,
and in keeping with our record of prompt
payment, that we will be handing out full cash
awards to all winners of Carnival 2009 on
December 21, ” she says.
The prize giving ceremony will take place from
5:30-7:00 p.m. sharp when awards will be
distributed in 18 categories. The top prize for
band of the year will be handed out to Sesame
Flyers International for their colorful display
of the theme -- Dazzle. First place in Panorama
competition will go to Pan Sonatas Steel
Orchestra who beat out nine other bands to
clinch the top steelband honor.
From the news desk of WIADCA - The West Indian
American Day Carnival Association
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