By Stephen Weir

It was a twin spin win for the children who play mas with Jamaal Magloire’s Revellers. Last Sunday the Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Junior King and Queen Showcase was held outdoors at the Scarborough Town Centre. Under sunny skies, children in Mas costumes competed for the title of Junior King and Queen. And this year, both regal winners are from the Revellers.

All Hail King London Christmas Espinet and Queen Angelina Leach as they took to a massive outdoor stage erected in the mall’s parking lot to dance and show off their costumes. Over 2,000 people took in the day-long costume contest and music show.

King Espinet wearing a costume that was built to look like a jet captured the imagination of the crowd. Built by Che Dixon, the costume fit into the Revellers theme of Bon Voyage (World Travel). Competing in the Girls category Angelina wore a costume she called Cairo, A Wonder of the World.

Children from the 12 Mas Bands – that will be taking part in this year’s Toronto Caribbean Carnival parade – competed at the Sunday family show.  There were four categories in the costume competition, the King, the Queen, and two junior individual categories. Winning the Junior individuals were Carnival Nationz’ Naiya Jacobs and the Revellers’ Marquee St Louis. All of the competitors were 16 years and under.

“It was a great event, as hot as it was,” said one happy spectator. “It was quite nice outdoors.” The crowd was enthusiastic, and there was overwhelming acclaim for Jamal Magloire Toronto Revellers and his silver airplane, “Cabin Fever”, but that said, all costumed dancers were well received!

It was the first time the festival held an event outdoors at Scarborough Town Centre. It proved to be an ideal location – the mall gave the festival ample room for the stage, the audience, the change area and the many vendors who were set up outside.

Missed the show? You can see the all the competitors this Saturday July 16^th at Neilson Park in Malvern. They will be joining hundreds of other costumed kids to take part in the annual Junior Carnival Parade Starting at the Malvern Community Centre. The Junior Masqueraders will march in colourful Caribbean costumes west along McLevin Ave and  north on Neilson Rd. towards the Junior  Carnival Central fete inside at Neilson Park. This event is free to all spectators. The parade starts at 11 am rain or shine.

All Photos by: Dave Douglas and Gilbert Median