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HomeNewsLocal newsV.I. Carnival Committee Stepping Up Media Presence Before April Festivities

V.I. Carnival Committee Stepping Up Media Presence Before April Festivities

With Carnival on St. Thomas just a few weeks away, V.I. Carnival Committee officials are stepping up their media game in hopes of getting as many residents out to the upcoming events as possible, starting April 2 with the Stoli and Budweiser Calypso Elimination Tent.

V.I. Carnival Committee public relations officer Jerrain Fleming and committee vice-chairman Athneil “Bobby” Thomas said at a press conference Thursday they plan to be running ads, conducting radio shows and establishing partnerships with media outlets that will give residents more access to this year’s events.

Supported by its new executive director, Halvor Hart, the Carnival Committee said it is trying to attract a new audience to events such as the Elimination Tent and the V.I. Calypso Competition, which is scheduled for 8 p.m. on April 23 at Lionel Roberts Stadium.

“We’re trying to spur more of a resurgence with the Calypso Show, and in our research over the most recent years, we are struggling, even with our elimination tent, to garner the kind of attention we want toward calypso,” Thomas said Wednesday.

Thomas also spoke about streamlining information, such as troupe descriptions for the parades, and getting as many highlights out as possible before each event. With more promotion, such as shows on Ackley Media Group and 107.9 FM DaVybe, organizers said they hope more residents will be excited to come out.

According to the Carnival schedule, the Elimination Tent event on April 2 will be followed by the Vita Malt Princess Selection show, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Lionel Roberts stadium and the annual Queen Selection Show at 8 p.m. on April 16 in Lionel Roberts Stadium.

Other events are:

–                 Best Dressed Doll and Toddlers Derby at 4:30 p.m. on April 17 in Lionel Roberts stadium. The Traditional Games will follow at 7 p.m.

–                 Carnival at Schneider Regional Medical Center, beginning at 5 p.m. on April 18 in the hospital lobby.

–                 – The First Bank Junior Calypso Competition, beginning at 8 p.m. on April 19 in Lionel Roberts stadium.

–                 Opening of the Carnival Village, beginning 6 p.m. on April 22 in the Fort Christian parking lot.

–                 V.I. Calypso Competition and International Explosion, beginning at 8 p.m. on April 23 in Lionel Roberts stadium.

–                 Water Sports activities, beginning at 10 a.m. on April 24 on the Waterfront apron.

–                 Steelband Jamboree beginning at 5 p.m. on April 24 in the Lionel Roberts stadium.

–                 Senior Citizens’ Quelbe Tramp, beginning at 8 p.m. on April 26 at the Rothschild Francis Market Square.

–                 Cultural Fair, honoring Theresa Davis, beginning at 8 a.m. on April 27 in the Emancipation Garden.

–                 J’ouvert Warmup, beginning at 12:30 a.m. on April 28 followed by J’ouvert at 4 a.m. on Veterans Drive.

–                 Children’s Parade, beginning at 10 a.m. on April 29. This year’s grand marshal is Denise A. Henly.

–                 Adult’s Parade, beginning at 10 a.m. on April 30. This year’s grand marshal is Ambrose Schmidt.

–                 Fireworks, beginning at 9 p.m. on April 30 followed by Last Lap in the Carnival Village.

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