By Makeida Antonio

It’s Carnival, baby!

This year’s Antigua Carnival – The Greatest Summer Festival officially began in grand style just a few hours ealier today with the Opening Parade.

The annual parade featured cheerleaders, iron bands, steel orchestras, mokojumbies and other characters as well as appearances by the reigning Miss Antigua Carnival Queen Desiree Markham, who was joined by fellow contestants. Additionally, the Mr and Miss Teenage Pagent contestants anf Optimist Petite Pagent contestants were introduced to onlookers lining the city’s streets.

Other performances included DJ Altitude who played for the Antigua Broadcasting Service float to commemorate 50 years of television, radio and online streaming and DJ Elementz, brand ambassador for APUA’s iNet. Corporate sponsor State Insurance Limited also took part in the parade and the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission distributed pamphlets detatiling the upcoming voters registration process commencing August 12.

Local artistes competing in the Party Monarch competition including DJ Who teased the crowd with performances of the song scheduled for that night inside ARG.

The parade ended at Carnival City (ARG) for official opening ceremony.