If the children’s Mashramani float parade is an indication of what to expect on February 23 then the country is in for a big celebration.

In keeping with the theme this year, ‘A Cultural Invasion in 2007′ children from across the country invaded the streets of Georgetown yesterday in colourful and creative costumes as they gyrated to the sounds of local soca artistes.

As customary the show started at 10 am sharp with the little ones from the nursery and primary divisions taking command of Middle Street.

The popular floats depicted togetherness as the region prepares to host Cricket World Cup 2007.

Some schools, such as Company Road Nursery in Buxton dressed the children as West Indies cricketers while others like St. Angela’s Primary were outfitted like tourists carrying from cameras to binoculars.

Since Value Added Tax (VAT) is topical one school decided to make a float displaying the zero-rated items. But the young woman wearing the costume appeared to be still be bothered by the taxes she still has to pay on other things.

The National School of Dance had one of the larger groups on the road which was also very interesting. Its float depicted cricketers, dances, marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and insanity.

Another interesting float was the group comprising several hinterland schools which paraded under the banner of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. They were Makonaima’s Children and Makonaima, the chief led the way.

The refreshing aspect of the children’s float parade is how involved the students, teachers and parents are. Yesterday the children danced in the streets, called for the music to be blasted louder and the elders joined in.

Over 30 schools participated including secondary schools. Many persons assembled along Middle Street commented on how impressed they were with the costumes and the energetic mood the children bring to the parade.

Crowds were on every street the children paraded yesterday and also in the National Park where the parade ended at around 1.30 pm.