Ernesto stops Labour Day mas in New York

The West Indian American Day Carnival, as it is officially known, is due to climax tomorrow with a parade of masqueraders and music bands along Brooklyn’s bustling Eastern Parkway. However, most of the four days of celebrations organised by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) have been washed out and weather forecasters say showers associated with the storm may linger over the city until tomorrow.

On Friday night heavy rains from the storm, which had technically become a tropical depression, put a damper on the first night of pre-Labour Day celebrations.

The main event on that night was the Brass Fest at the Brooklyn Museum Grounds. That event was due to feature live performances by top soca artistes, including Xtatik with Machel Montano, Traffik with Shurwayne Winchester, Krosfyah with Edwin Yearwood, Patrice Roberts and Maximus Dan.

The Kiddies Carnival Parade carded for yesterday was rescheduled to today due to heavy winds and rain. Many children were already on their way to the parade venue in full costumes when they were told that the event had been rescheduled.

Also threatened by the inclement weather yesterday was the Panorama competition which was due to take place at the Brooklyn Museum last night. Up to press time there was no word on whether the event would take place.

Other pre-Labour Day activities that may be affected by the rains are tonight’s Dimanche Gras show at the Brooklyn Museum Grounds and tomorrow’s parade along the Eastern Parkway from Utica Avenue to Grand Army Plaza.

The forecast for today in New York is for cloudy conditions with the chance of winds and showers and a temperature of 67 degrees Fahrenheit.