Jan. 6, 2006 – It was the youth's time to shine Friday in Frederiksted at the 2005-2006 Crucian Christmas Festival Children's Parade.
Led by festival royalty, more than 38 entries made their way along the parade route to the delight of their parents and hundreds of parade enthusiasts. The message of the children was clear; it was all about the global mix of culture. St. Croix schools outfitted their entries with a madras flair, as the children danced to quelbe music and displayed their quadrille dancing talent.
Many entries showcased the history of St. Croix, incorporating the seven flags that have flown over the island at various times in history into their costumes to accentuate the message of this year's celebration: A Global Mix of Cultures Sounds and Lyrics for Festival 2005 –2006.
The schools participated in record numbers this year with shimmering costumes, choreographed dancing, steel pans and majorettes.
Leading the parade was this year's youth grand marshal, D'Shawna Crispin. Festival Prince and Princess, Maleek Matthew and Alyia Jackson, looked resplendent and cool in their royal madras attire. Also in the royal party was Mr. St. Croix, Kevin Swanston, Miss St. Croix, Francilla Benjamin and the Junior Calypso King, Jose Navarro.
Queens, princes and princesses from many of the schools also had their time to shine as they rolled down the parade route in fancy convertible sports cars or on the backs of gaily decorated flatbed trucks that shimmered and danced in the midday sun.
The parade began about an hour after its scheduled start time and by the time the last troupe passed the reviewing stand the sun was beginning to set in the west.
Some of the schools participating were Lew Muckle, Claude O. Markoe, Alfredo Andrews, Juanita Gardine, Ricardo Richards, Arthur A. Richards, John H. Woodson, Central High, St. Mary's and Charles Emmanuel.

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