CUPID soared above the field

By Rebeca Kerr

After two-years COVID hiatus the Junior Kiddies in Mas carnival will take place this Saturday July 16^th in Malvern as the children hit the streets for the grand parade of the bands.

One of the premier events of the carnival, the Junior King and Queen competition took place last Sunday at the Scarborough Town Centre.

The star of the show was 1-year-old Solomon McNiven with his portrayal “Cupid”. Winner in his category 0-5, Solomon’s shake and shimmy had the audience in a frenzy, loudly cheering him on. Not the least bit shy, Solomon waved to his fans as he left the stage. Being the son of the former Queen of Carnival Joella Crichton and holder of nine queen titles, it is no surprise that lil’ McNiven has such a comfort level on stage even at his tender age.

The children, all eager to show off their beautiful creations, danced and pranced across the stage with high octane energy. Although there was some hesitation – some parents not quite completely comfortable in public gatherings – most were just as excited as the children to be able to “play mas” again.

Here are the unofficial results:

Junior Individual Male-under 5 – 1^st place Solomon McNiven portrayal Cupid – Carnival Natiionz

Junior Individual Female 6-10 – 1^st place Myauna King Thomas portrayal Yamaya Mermaid Goddess – Carnival Nationz

Junior Individual Male 6-10 – 1^st place Christopher Elahie portrayal The Reign of Thaumas God of the Sea – Carnival Nationz

Junior individual Female up to 16 – 1^st place Naiya Jacob portrayal La Bella Rose Queen of the Caribbean – Carnival Nationz

Junior Male up to 16 – 1^st place Marquee St Louis portrayal The Chinese Traveler – Toronto Revellers

Junior Queen up to 16 – 1^st place Angelina Leach portrayal Cairo a wonder of the World – Toronto Revellers

Junior King up to 16 – 1^st place London Christmas Espinet portrayal Cabin Fever – Toronto Revellers.

The pageantry continues with the climax, the grand Parade of the Bands set to take place July 30 on the Lakeshore.

All Photos by: Dave Douglas and Gilbert Median

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