March 16, 2002 – Carnival Committee Chairman Kenneth Blake announced on Wednesday the cancellation of the Band-O-Rama semifinals, due to a lack of interest and participation of the local bands.
The event, scheduled for March 30, was the first on the schedule for the Carnival season, and only four ands had engaged in a contact with the committee by March 13.
The decision was not an easy one, said the release from the committee, as it is not and has not been the practice to cancel events for reasons other than an act of nature.
Music subcommittee chairperson Margaret Moore and her committee members have been working and meeting regularly with band representatives since October. Since almost 15 bands expressed an interest, it was determined that a semifinal would be held with the top seven bands moving on to the finals. Suggestions and recommendations were sought from the bands for this new event, and the prize structure was also increased.
Blake said the committee regrets any inconvenience the cancellation may cause, and he also thanked the four bands who met the signing deadline.
The Band-O-Rama finals will be held at 8 p.m. April 13 at Lionel Roberts Stadium.
Blake ended the press conference announcing the cancellation with the announcement that there will be a $1,500 Road March Prize, and noted that Gov. Charles Turnbull announced that he will award a $2,500 Governor's Prize each to the winning King and Queen of the Band participants.