Beauty Pageant, junior celebrations kick off Miami Carnival

Miami — Kashundra Flatts was crowned 2011 queen when the 6th Anniversary of Miss Miami Broward Carnival Pageant took place Sept. 24. in the Lou Rawls Auditorium on the campus of Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens.

Annika Boxhill of Sweet Hand Kathy was First Runner Up, and Alina Castillo, of Ascension was Second Runner Up.

Flatts, who succeeded Shelissa Gomes, 2010 queen, also won Miss Congeniality as voted by other contestants, Miss Hospitality for selling the most tickets to the pageant and Miss Spirt of Carnival for her costume.

Next up, the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee is set to stage one of the most spirited Caribbean inspired family events with their Junior Carnival, Oct, 2 at Central Broward Regional Park, 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill.

The parade of masqueraders will range from toddlers to teens and will include a competition element. The event is family friendly and free, with a parade beginning at 1 p.m.

This year’s Broward, Jr. Carnival is set to be one of the most colorful and festive celebrations that inspires cultural awareness among young people. The young people have the opportunity to compete based on their creativity, presentation and craftsmanship. The children have worked diligently all year long to help create their own costumes.

“Our Junior Carnival gives our young people an opportunity to shine, helps boost their self esteem and confidence while taking part in a tradition that is part of the fabric of our heritage,” states Ruthven Williams, MBOCHC, Executive Director.

“The hosting of Junior Carnival in the Central Broward Regional Park is an excellent location to host our future ‘revelers’ for generations to come,” stated Nichols Jack, director at Broward Caribbean Carnival and chairman of the Junior Carnival Committee. “We are working very closely with Broward County Parks and Recreation to ensure the success of the event and the enjoyment of our patrons. There will be food, music, fun for all the entire family and a parade by our children.”

Junior Carnival promises a kaleidoscope of vibrant color. The titles up for grabs include Jr. King and Queen and Band of the Year. The event will also incorporate a kid zone that will include face painting designated stations, bounce, slide and play, performances, steel band and a DJ.

Participating bands in-clude: Acapai Players, Break Away Kru, China Mas Kidz, Community, Fun Generation Too, Heritage TNT, Major Players, Wassi Babes. For more information about sponsorship and vending opportunities please call 305-653-1877.

The Junior Carnival kicks off a week of activities throughout South Florida leading up to the 2011 Miami Carnival in the Gardens that takes place Oct. 9 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL from 12 noon to 11 p.m.

2011 Miami Carnival in the Gardens Schedule

Saturday Night Mas
Saturday, Oct. 1
18001 Old Cutler Rd
Contact: 786-457-6772

Miami Broward Jr. Carnival
Sunday Oct. 2
Central Broward
Regional Park
Parade of the
Kiddies Bands

Soca Fest
Saturday Oct. 8
SunLife Stadium
9 a.m. to 4 a.m.
Live Caribbean Concert

Miami Carnival in the Gardens
Sunday Oct. 9
SunLife Stadium
12 noon to 11 p.m
Parade of the Bands | Food Village | Business Expo | Live Concert