Donkey Carnival draws big crowd in Clarendon

The Crofts Hill community in Northern Clarendon came alive on August 6 with the 13th staging of the annual Donkey Carnival.

In addition to having the beasts of burden racing down a 100m track, there was the added attraction of a donkey fashion segment.

Two donkeys, Wendy and Pablo, were well dressed by their owners for the occasion.

“We have been dressing these donkeys for years, as the children look forward to us to be entertained,” Cleon McKenzie said.

For Dwayne Jones, the festival has been a welcome event in the community and, although his donkey doesn’t race, the carnival has helped him tremendously.

“From mi dress the donkey and come out, the business start, as the children ready fi ride. The dressing of the donkey take a special skill and dedication,” Jones said.

Amid the scorching afternoon sun, the race meet got under way with 12 races on the day’s roster.

The occasion saw senior citizen John Dawkins, otherwise called ‘Purple’, and Paul Jackson, dominate the proceedings by together winning eight of the races.

The donkey participants such as Ever Ready, Lickle Willy, Gate Master, Macaroni, Iron and others all had the fans cheering them on as they scampered to the winner’s enclosure.

“We certainly like the concept and so the Social Development Commission (SDC) joined in for the first time and we have observed boundless potential and we will endeavour to support,” said SDC Parish Manager Balvin McKenzie.

The carnival saw the road transformed into an economic zone with several persons cooking.

“This year certainly looks bigger than last year. Plus, no rain, so it is a good look,” visitor Marie Brown said.

It was the collective view that the carnival provides an incentive for persons from all across the island to descend on Crofts Hill.

“This part of the constituency really highlights positive community activism and I will be doing my best to strengthen the resolve of the residents, who I aim to serve,” said Wavell Hinds, the People’s National Party caretaker for Northern Clarendon.

In the meantime, Raphael Simpson, chairman of the Crofts Hill Donkey Carnival Committee, said the event has grown from its infancy and now requires youthful input.

“This carnival was born out of a community fair which was held at the primary school. That activity was losing its lustre ... therefore the thought manifested that we need something more sustainable for the community, and so the racing started,” the chairman said.

Simpson, 79, said the committee comprised several groups and, therefore, schools, the indigent and other important areas benefit from the carnival.

The event has been described as the lifeline of the Northern Clarendon entertainment calendar.

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