Personality power made up for lack of WAPA power Monday night as the opening of Champagneville drew a record crowd. The sun was setting on the Carnival Village with not one light to be seen, but that did not stop the crowd gathering for the opening presentation of honors to William "Champagne" Chandler.
Just as it was getting difficult to see, the Water and Power Authority came through and the lights came on in Champagneville. Once the crowd stopped applauding the restoration of electric power, the presentation on stage began.
Master of ceremonies Lee Vanterpool quickly introduced assembled dignitaries. Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II followed Vanterpool to the microphone and after a few remarks, introduced Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.
Turnbull reminisced about his trips down the parade route with the Elskoe-Roebuck troupe and greeted friends from Carnivals past. His enthusiasm for Carnival came shining through in his speech.
Champagne's progress to the microphone was interrupted by a series of presentations. When he finally was able to make his remarks, the crowd was ready for his usual combination of humor and wit and he didn't disappoint — joking and posturing, Chandler admonished the crowd to have a good time but to behave.