SPRINGFIELD – Mother Nature may have provided the heat on Saturday, but the Springfield Carnival Association and African American Caribbean Association Social Club kicked it up a notch with their annual parade and festival.
The parade to celebrate Caribbean American heritage began at Rebecca Johnson Elementary School on Catherine Street and ended with a party at Blunt Park on Roosevelt Avenue.
Paulette Henderson, funeral director for Henderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, served as grand marshal. Among the marchers was Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, who congratulated Henderson and thanked the efforts of the African American Caribbean Association Social Club and the Springfield Carnival Association.
“I want to thank both CAAASC President Gloria Scarlett and Springfield Carnival Association President Valbert Johnson and their respective teams for continuing to maintain this wonderful tradition; the costumes, music and food are fantastic and a must see,” said Sarno before the parade began. “I know our dear Vera O’Connor will be smiling down on us from heaven.”
L to R- Zarayha Rivera and her mother Ty Williams at the Caribbean Carnival Association’s 21st Annual Carnival Parade in Springfield, starting at Rebecca Johnson School on August 20. (Photo by Ed Cohen)
He added, “My administration is proud to support the Springfield Carnival Association’s mission to enhance and promote cultural and educational activities in Springfield and the surrounding communities. I have proudly donated to support the Springfield Caribbean Carnival Associations Scholarship program that assists high school seniors of Caribbean heritage who are pursuing higher education.”
Chuck Fenda, a Jamaican American reggae musician and deejay, headlined the entertainment at Blunt Park. He was joined by singer Zoelah, who hails from the island of St.Vincent and the Grenadines.
L to R- Lenox Johnson, District Fire Captain Curt Marcellin, Parade Grand Marshall Paulette Henderson and Myra Marcellin at the Springfield Caribbean Carnival Association’s 21st Annual Carnival Parade starting at the Rebecca Johnson School on August 20 . (Photo by Ed Cohen)
