Labor Day 2007 in Brooklyn New York

There are several weeks to go, yet even now you can be sure that preparations are well under way. Steel pans are being beat into shape, steel pan bands are practicing and elaborate costumes are being made as well. It will take a great deal of work to get everything done in time for the big Labor Day Parade that will go down Eastern Parkway. Each steel pan band will have its own theme, colors and song. The Bands compete against each other during the parade.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day_Carnival

There is a lot of work underway to prepare but it is indeed a labor of love. Preparations are begun the day after the parade of the previous year has ended! Labor Day is not just one day but I an entire weekend full of events that mark the end of the Summer Season. According to Wikipedia. "Ms. Jessie Waddle and some of her West Indian friends started the Carnival in Harlem in the 1920s by staging costume parties in large enclosed places - like the Savoy, Renaissance and Audubon Ballrooms..."

As the actual day approaches, steel pans can be heard playing in many of the blocks near to Eastern Parkway. Grownups and children all have a part. There are usually events scheduled at the Brooklyn Public Library and the surrounding area in Prospect Park. In order to March in the Parade, arrangements must be made and permission gained long in advance. You can not just jump in,

Each and every year since it began, the parade has grown and more and more people participate in the festivities. Folks from every Caribbean Island come out to represent their island nations. Every island in the Caribbean has a Carnival each year.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean_Carnival

Here in New York, everyone has an opportunity to bring the tradition to their adopted home. Not only have those who live here but people from around the world travel to Brooklyn, New York to be here on Eastern Parkway on that day and to join in the celebration.

Some of the themes for costumes could be the fancy sailor, dressing like a peacock or even greasing up like a pirate or a mechanic. Costumes are always elaborate. Steel Pan Bands and their entourage often dress alike in a way that shows unity for that group. As the day gets closer there will be televised interviews and reports about people preparing for that day. It only comes once per year and is looked forward to. There is always lots of ethnic food to be bought, Curried Chicken, Calilou, Rice and Peas, and Roti and more!

Safety is key as the massive crowds can become dangerous if you are not careful. Youngsters should stay close as it is difficult to go far without getting caught up in a moving crowd. One can easily become lost or separated. Establish a meeting spot like the Library, the statue at the opening to Prospect park or a particular street and cross street and corner to meet up at if lost. Public transportation is the best way to go. Check ahead as some stations close to the parade may be closed for safety reasons.

The parade is televised on major television stations that set up their watch posts at strategic junctions along the route. Grand Army Plaza and Utica Avenue are two favorite points.