Official in Grand Bahama are gearing up to kick off Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival with a number of exciting events beginning on April 17-18. (Ministry of Tourism photo)

Beach activities coordinator for Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Shorrell Dames says Grand Bahama is ready to pave the road to Nassau as exciting and creative activities are planned to bring in the electrifying inaugural event.

“Specifically in Grand Bahama, we are looking forward to culture, music and community. It’s a fun, family, friend-filled event with so many things to do,” she said recently.

Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival begins in Grand Bahama on April 17 with an exhilarating Semi-Finals Music Masters Concert, where 19 artists will square off for the chance to be a part of the finale concert in Nassau on May 8.

The winner of the finale concert will take home $20,000.

On April 18, the celebration will continue with a Midnight Rush concert on Taino Beach.

But this party starts before sunrise.

“We don’t let you sleep. The party starts at 6:30 a.m. We have fitness experts from all over Grand Bahama. We even have the inclusion of spinning classes. We just want to have some positive vibes on the grand life and after that we are looking to start our Beach Olympics and an obstacle course,” Ms. Dames said.

“We want to really to focus on the fact that everything is cultural and made by Bahamians. The obstacle course is constructed by someone on the island.”

Corporate Bahamas and civil servants are fully on board with the cultural obstacle course.

The winners of the obstacle course and other tournaments will receive medals and trophies respectively.

“Anyone who wants to be involved can be a part of this event. Along with that, we have Kiddie Land. Parents can come out and enjoy tournaments like pool, dominoes and backgammon and while that is going on your kids can come out and there will be volunteers with them and they can enjoy something like face painting, balloon animals and a fashion show for the kids. It is something for everyone to do,” Ms. Dames said.

“So like I said it is a fun filled event. It’s going to be fun. We can’t wait. It’s almost like Christmas in the summer with the spirit of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. Everyone is just in awe and just waiting to see what will happen.

“I want to invite everyone throughout The Bahamas from Bimini to Ragged Island, Nassau to Abaco – come and experience the grand life with us. Many times we would say that Freeport is the magic city but we want to awaken that magic. We want to awaken the vibe and spirit that Freeport has within itself. Everyone is welcomed to come and join in the spirit of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival.”

While the Beach Olympics activities are free of charge, the cost for the Music Masters and Midnight Rush parties is $20 for all access passes.

The two-day event is the jump off to the main Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Event in New Providence, which will be held on May 7-9.