Best year ever – spectators impressed with Mash 2018

DPI, GUYANA, Friday, February 23, 2018

The sun was at its brightest in the afternoon as floats continued wending their way down the Mash route.

Hundreds of spectators crammed the shoulders of Vlissengen Road to get an up-close look at the floats coming down Thomas Road. Devina, only name given, and her family were among those viewing the parade.

Spectators walking along Irving Street.

She said, “We’ve seen a couple of bands. They are okay. I like the Ministry of Indigenous [People’s] Affairs. I think that is the prettiest one.”

“All the floats were good, I think GTT did the best. That was so good”, Shantel, another roadside viewer accompanied by a friend, told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

George Abbensetts and his friends were on the Thomas Road junction taking in the floats as they turned onto Vlissengen. “We’ve never had one like this before, back in the day it was good but everything improved”, Abbensetts exclaimed.

Overseas-based Guyanese Victor Benjamin said he was impressed with the parade, “I think that it is a massive parade. Even in New York, you won’t see so many floats.”

Scores of families were also out picnicking on bridges, in empty lots and on the parapets. Shelly, only name give, and her family came all the way from Essequibo to observe the float parade. “(It’s) spectacular, very impressive. It showcases a lot of Guyanese talent”, she said.

Also, out picnicking with her family was Jacqulyn Boyer. She said her family comes out every year to view the parade. “Things have been different this year. I enjoy the colours I am in the mood,” she said.

Over on Irving Street was where the party was happening. Those who weren’t watching the parade were sharing good times with their families and friends.

A number of speakers intermittently set up along the road blared music entertaining those who were at bars, the families out picnicking on parapets and young people walking along the street taking it all in.

George Abbensetts (left) and Victor Benjamin (right) on the shoulders of the road.

Leon Hunte, who was out for a walk with his goddaughters, noted that this year’s Mash was “much better”. Hunte credited the success to the return of the parade on the Vlissengen/Irving route. “Everybody accustomed to one spot I think they have lost a lot of revenue and I think that they have come to the realisation,” he said.

There was even a bit of friendly competition among those liming Irving Street. Noble House Seafood staff, friends and family members were taking part in their annual cookoff.

General Manager of Noble House Seafood, Leslie Romalho said the Mash tradition is usually for bragging rights. “Every mash day the supervisors have a cook off, Noble House provides the ingredients and friends and family are invited,” he said.

Then there was the food which was everywhere. From barbeques to locally made snacks and the ever popular Candyman. Variety was on display on Mash Day. One of the food vendors was out for a good cause.

The Lion’s Club of Georgetown Stabroek was selling goodies to raise funds for less fortunate children. “It (the sale) is going good (and) the Mash is going great,” President June Leach said.

As the parade culminated at D’Urban Park, the festivities continued into the early evening on Vlissengen Road and Irving Street.

A family waiting for the parade to pass.

President of Lion’s Club of Georgetown Stabroek, June Leach.

 

Noble House Seafood staff, family and friends enjoying their cookoff.

Leon Hunte and his goddaughters.

 

Shelly and her family taking in the parade.

Jacqulyn Boyer and her family.

 

By: Tiffny Rhodius

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