Kalicharan cops King and Queen in South

VETERAN bandleaders Ivan Kalicharan and his wife, Wendy, left the South Pre Dimanche Gras Extravaganza 2003 on Wednesday night with both the King and Queen of the Band titles.

Although Ivan Kalicharan did not masquerade his own costume for the King segment, his son, Aaron, managed to win the judges’ favour with his portrayal of “The Native Warrior”. Decorated in gold, bronze and black, Kalicharan’s costume also entailed the competitor wearing a large warrior mask. Coming in second was Leroy Preito, portraying “Temuchin - The Mighty Ruler and Warrior” from the band Fireworks Promotion. His red, green, blue, gold and purple costume bore the symbol of a dragon.
Third place winner, Owen Hinds Jr, portrayed “Katanaga - The Great Spirit” from the band “Miracles”.

Among the 11 competing queens, Wendy Kalicharan’s portrayal of “The Native Dancer”, proved to be the Queen of all. Her costume, decorated in orange, green, yellow, black and gold included three attached warrior heads and a display of fiery prowess from her dancing. Miguel Marchan’s band, “Carnival Forever, Forever Carnival,” landed second place for the white and silver costume titled “Carnival Goddess of Peace and Love” portrayed by Peola Marchan. Draped in angelic white, the costume carried symbols of peace and drawings of doves and hearts. The special effect was the release of a dove from the heart of the costume.

Kalicharan’s “Native Festival” also produced the third place winner from the Queen competition. Portraying “D’ Amazon Princess,” competitor Gloria Dallsingh carried a heavily plumed gold, red and white costume, complete with bubbles for the special effects.
These finalists go to Dimanche Gras on Sunday night to compete “on the big stage”.