To jumpstart the August Emancipation Festival season, the Rotary Club of Road Town held its 25th Kiddies Fiesta on July 29 at the Enid Scatliffe Pre-primary School grounds.
At the event, families were invited to beat the heat with waterslides and bubble tents, along with other activities.
Club President Dr. Robert “Storm” Wright said the organisation was glad to bring the celebration back this year and was extremely pleased with the sizable turnout for the all-day event, which hadn’t been held since the 2017 hurricanes.
“It feels great,” he said. “It’s a lot of hard work, and when the result of that hard work comes to a reality, it’s always a good feeling.”
Funds raised at the event — which was free to attend but offered games, rides and refreshments for purchase — go toward supporting community projects. Dr. Wright said organisers were glad to collaborate with other Rotary groups to pull off the event.
Kids spent the afternoon trying out a variety of games, like archery and dart throwing, or enjoyed the shade in the video game tent. Moko jumbies, dancers, deejays and Tola the Turtle — the mascot of the National Bank of the Virgin Islands — kept attendees entertained throughout the afternoon.
Mother Kimisha Chinnery said she was glad for some family fun to kick off the festival season.
Her children were delighted to join the opening night of Coney Island as well, despite a bit of rain. She said they missed it last year, and she appreciated having a variety of events her whole family could enjoy.
Next year, Dr. Wright said, Rotarians are planning to also hold a parade as part of the celebration.