Oh what a day – April 2, 2005. The people of St Charles parish, Tunapuna (mainly the female populace) came out in their finery both to parade and to witness the parade.

It was billed as “The Flamboyant Tea Party and Fashion Show”, but there was much more in store for its patrons. A star-studded cast of entertainers headed by Prof Ken Philmore and Skatie included our own 55plus star Maria Alexander as well as Dominique Edwards and Shirley Radoo and steel pan prodigies, Keisha Codrington and Rashunda Dorset Headley. The National Anthem at the start of the programme was done on the pan by child star Kayla Millien.

There were egg hunts a-plenty as well as door prizes.

A scintillating parade of bonnets produced first prize winners with names like Simply Pure , Easter 2020 , Ah Gone Natural and Sweet Nectar . The first prize among the costumes was Lajablesse, which was actually a beautiful bonnet and dress with one foot of the entrant in a black sock to represent a cow's foot.

Displaying their Easter bonnets.

Patrons claim that the laugh followed by “Yuh get away tonight” sounded like they imagine the real thing would. The prize for most original bonnet went to Forever Young, a bonnet covered in young plums, figs, and pommecythere worn with a dress which was hand-crocheted thirty-five years ago in a pineapple pattern.

Second prize winners included Easter Time at the Market , Barbie's Ltd Edition , Garden Party and African Sunshine , while third prizes went to Easter on the Prairie , Easter is Girls in Pretty Bonnets Going to Church , Ah Feather Meh Nest and a two and a half-year-old young man who paraded as Keeper of the Easter Bunny, but squashed half the bunny's eggs and ate the other half even before he paraded.

There were many more beautiful bonnets and while those named won first to third prizes, everyone who was unplaced received a special prize so everyone was happy.

The 55+ group of the parish attended as a posse, proudly displaying their 55+ name-tags. They had five entries to the competition, which earned most outstanding costume, most original bonnet, one second, one third, and a special prize.

It was a wonderful afternoon which everyone, including the commentator Simone Smith and our beloved parish priest Fr Reggie totally enjoyed.

Thanks to all those who participated – both competitors and spectators. Look out for our parade again next year.

Every year we are growing bigger and better.