HAVING rebounded to a large extent from the covid19 pandemic of 2020-2022, Tobago is once again gearing up for a bumper Easter weekend, filled with activities for everyone.
The schedule includes several staple events and a few burgeoning ones which organisers believe are guaranteed to attract locals and visitors alike.
Today – Good Friday – all roads lead to the capital city for the second annual Scarborough Fisherman’s Fest on the Esplanade, Milford Road.
Hosted by fishermen from Scarborough and businessmen in the area, the event is billed as a family affair. There will be a variety of food vendors and a well-stocked bar.
“It will be like a mini-carnival in Easter,” businessman Raphael Ben Yisrael told Newsday.
Ben Yisrael said the event, which he believes will be bigger than last year, will be loaded with activities for families to enjoy.
The free event begins at 7 am with a 5K run from the I Love You Tobago sign on Milford Road through various parts of Scarborough. But the official programme does not start until 9 am.
Patrons can also look forward to boat racing, an aerobic burnout, Mortal Kombat video game, arm-wrestling and a beer-drinking competition. There will also be draughts, chess, all-fours and dominoes competitions.
In keeping with Easter, Phillips said a bonnet pageant has been planned for the girls. There will also be a kids’ treasure hunt, piñata and a bouncy castle for children.
Several artistes will also provide entertainment. These include reggae singer Prophet Benjamin (Devon Samuel); former Tobago Stars of Soca winner Culture B (Roston Simon); Adana, Trendsetter; and Jacquez.
Terrence Phillips, a member of the organising committee, said they have received support from the Tobago House of Assembly.
“We are very grateful to the THA. They have paid for the spot on the Esplanade, the tents and stage. Other small businesses have also supported. So everything is on track, the THA is corresponding with us. Everything is in a gear.”
Saying registration for the 5K run is ongoing, Phillips added, “The registration for the all fours, video game and Easter bonnet competition are almost full.”
He said the members are proud of the way they have managed to put the event together.
“Last year, we attracted a large turnout. But this year, everybody is a little more interested.”
Phillips claimed Scarborough has not had many activities over the years.
“So me and my friends decided we will throw something for the people for Easter, because the place is usually dead during this time. Now we are hoping it will be an annual affair.”
He urged people to come out and enjoy the activities.
On April 1 – Easter Monday – it’s off to the Mt Pleasant Recreation Ground for the village’s sports and family day. Scheduled to begin at 9 am, the event, now in its 49th year, is being hosted by the Carnbee/Mt Pleasant Village Council.
Jean Scott-Henry, the village council’s assistant secretary, said the event promises to be bigger and better.
Apart from several goat events, Scott-Henry said, t
