It has been a while since I brought you all up to speed with the latest gossip flying around in the Carnival soap opera world, but so many people have been whispering in my ear that I am just going to put all that I have been hearing out there:
* Is it true that a certain St Clair based Mas Camp was robbed? Hope no one made off with the Canary Diamond! If anyone has confirmed information on this, please let me know.
* My spies have spotted contingents from two very popular bands shopping for Carnival 2012 in New York! Already, you ask, well seems like preparations for Carnival 2012 is in full swing. I guess thats the benefit of having a band sold out early, move on to the plans for the following year! Sources have told me that one band has been shopping for lots of pretty, sparkly things, a 180 from theme 2011 it looks like ! I wonder what themes 2012 will bring?
* Which band was that knocking at the doors of Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism's office recently? Were they looking to join the People's Band or were they looking for funding amid rumours that money worries are plaguing this band? I hope they told the Minister that their costumes coming from China too, seeing as he is averse to imported costumes. We all know by now that "made in Trinidad" is really "assembled in Trinidad" when it comes to this band ; Halloween is over!
* China seems to be the destination of choice this month, reliable news has reached me that quality control teams from one newbie band has made the trip to ensure that costumes are up to scratch, down the very last bead and sequin. Plenty vibes! Their visit was followed , I was told, by that of another band leader, who seemed to have learnt a lesson from the costume quality issues of 2010. Hope that visit helps as it might be too little too late with allegedly only 500 masqueraders registered so far, oh my!
*And talking about bands with registration issues, I have been told that discounts and group packages are being offered by one particular band to boost sales. I honestly don't know why this band is not doing much better since their road experience this year was on point and their costumes for 2011 are out of this world! Hope they sell out some more sections/options soon.
And that, folks, is your gossip to start the the week!
