Atlanta Caribbean Carnival celebrated its 25th Anniversary over the weekend in grand style!!!! The 25th staging of Atlanta’s Carnival took place on a new parade route and at a new venue: Morris Brown Herndon Stadium.
Personally, I loved the new location and route. As many are aware, there were logistical issues including parade route issues, lack of credentialing, entry problems, etc.. These issues will definitely need to be addressed especially if Atlanta Carnival returns to Morris Brown.
Additionally, I would also like to see an Atlanta-based host on stage at Atlanta Carnival. This was Atlanta’s 25th Anniversary of Carnival and someone from Atlanta should have been on that stage reppn’ for the hometown. That being said, pulling off an event of this magnitude is no easy task and, in spite of all these issues and the naysayers, it was a success by measure of one the largest attendance ever at Atlanta Carnival and the enjoyment had by Carnival goers…I know I had a blast!
While it definitely was not a perfect Atlanta Carnival, and many have taken to social media to state their negative opinions, nothing in life is perfect (except me of course!). That’s why God created erasers and forgiveness. Going forward, rather than spewing negative energy perhaps we should contribute to a POSITIVE remedy for a better Atlanta Carnival for all.
“NO ONE IS PERFECT THEREFORE RATHER THAN CRITICIZING ASK YOURSELF WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO DO JUSTICE TO YOUR CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY, WE ALREADY HAVE A HARD TIME IN AMERICA AND INSTEAD OF UNITY THE GOAL OF OTHERS IS TO CONQUER AND DIVIDE.” ~Pat Henry
Anyhoo..I’m moving on! As mentioned, I liked the new venue. The stadium setting allowed the performing artists to feed off the immense audience standing in front of them. This is much different than the smaller area they had become accustomed to on Auburn Avenue.. As a result, I believe performers raised their level of energy and showmanship. Kudos to Pumpa (St. Croix USVI) and Lavaman (Grenada)!!! They were my favorites for the night and both artists showed up AND showed out….P.S. allyuh Grenadians get on too bad!!!!
OFFICIAL RESULTS:
Band of the Year – WE KIND A TING
2nd Runner Up – MADD COLORS
3rd Place (TIE) – CLASSI WAVES AND CALABASH ALLEY
