With the King and Queen of the Band show on Wednesday night and Brass-O-Rama on Thursday night there can be no doubt that Carnival '99 is really here.
Brass-O-Rama, though marked by the absence of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires from Jamaica and the Ecstasy and Splash International bands from the British Virgin Islands, was a spectacle of polish and pitch with St. Croix's Xpress Band taking the honors, according to media reports.
The title of 1999 King and Queen of the band was captured Wednesday night by newcomers. The Infernos, a troupe making its first appearance this year, won the prize, with Hugga Bunch coming in second.
The two daily papers reported a colorful and well-attended event showcasing six couples vying for the titles.
Thousands thronged Lionel Roberts Stadium for the two nights of competitive entertainment.
Carnival Village, named this year for William "Champagne" Chandler, opens officially Monday night.
