The 2006 Carnival season continues it merry march toward the big climax on August 14-15 with three more launches over the past weekend.

On Saturday (June 3), the Grenada Mas Band Association launched its Carnival season at the NIS Car Park with an impressive presentation of sketches of the Mas bands that will be partaking in the 2006 Carnival celebrations.

A plethora of wonderful displays, both under the exhibition tent and on the big screen, certainly invoked the Carnival spirit. The presence of the traditional Vecour and Shortknee bands created quite a stir with their energetic performances and humorous chanting.

The traditional bands are an integral part of what Grenada has to offer for Carnival. The Mas Band Association hosted some local Artistes as part of the launch. Former Soca and Calypso Monarchs Black Wizard and Sheldon Douglas, along with youngsters such as Nnika, Ranking Marvin and Soca Elvis energizing the crowd.

That part of the program however belonged to the young Artiste from England by the name of Soca Sterling. The English accent and blonde hair was deceiving because the young man certainly has Caribbean flavor.

The Mas component of Spicemas '06 will see more bands participating. Also, on Sunday the Mt. Mortiz community launched its 2006 Carnival Mas Band entitled "Traditional Values" with four Children's section and four Adults sections.

The launch was done as part of a Family Fun Day. The St. Andrew's Carnival Committee launched its Carnival Season last Sunday. The first part of the launch featured a street parade around the town of Grenville.

The official part of the festivities began about 7.00 p.m. at the newly paved Grenville Car Park. Culture Minister, Brenda Hood in her remarks re-enforced the Government's commitment to the development of Culture and Carnival.

She spoke of the Cultural events that will form part of the 2007 Cricket World Cup and the continuous celebration of the 25th anniversary of Carnival celebrations in August.

The St. Andrew's Carnival Committee has committed itself to the showcasing of all aspects of traditional mas and the launch provided a preview of what is come - Maypole Dancers, the Cowboys, and Shortknee.

Awards were presented to some Carnival stalwarts from the Parish. Most notably was Calypsonian African Teller who is celebrating 30 years in the entertainment business.

If the launch is an indication of things to come, then St. Andrew's will be having a massive Carnival season.