By K. NANCOO-RUSSELL

Freeport News Reporter

krystal@nasguard.com

Hundreds of Grand Bahamians lined the streets of downtown Freeport last night to enjoy the colourful costumes, pulsating music and festive atmosphere of the 2009 Junkanoo parade.

The nine participating groups put on an impressive show as they vied for the top honours in this year's competition.

Although the results will not officially be released until today, judging from the crowd's response to all the presentations, the competition was very stiff.

It seemed as if many persons took advantage of the reduced prices for seating, as the bleachers appeared to be well-occupied.

Even the chilly weather, brought on by a cold front, did not prevent residents from turning out, although many appeared to have dressed warmly for the occasion.

Although organizers promised a start time of 6 p.m. sharp, there was some delay and the crowd appeared more than ready by the time

the first group, Kingdom Culture, which was participating in the event for the first time, began their presentation.

Themed "Name Above All Names," it depicted several names used in the Bible for the Lord.

That group was followed by the Harbour Boys, who introduced Strong Back Stout, the latest product of Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Co. Ltd.

"Let Our Story Be Told" was the theme for the next group out of the gates, the Majestic Crusaders, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary of participation in the annual parade, while a presentation by the West End Stingers group followed.

The Swingers presentation, titled the "Mystical Burial of the Boy King Tut," was next, and depicted the great civilization that was ancient Egypt, and the Victory Boys group followed.

Last year's winners Classic Dancers, intent on defending their crown, presented "Myths and Legends of Andros," which included portrayals of well-known Androsians as well as traditional items from days gone by.

The Arawak Invaders, not to be left out, used the recent United States election for inspiration for its presentation featuring Barack Obama.

Their theme was "The Journey of One Man's Dream from Impossibility to Reality," and the Bushwhackers group brought up the rear of the parade.

Noticeably absent was long-time competitor, the Superstar Rockers.

Shortly before the start of the parade, The Freeport News caught up with Grand Bahama Junkanoo committee chairman Derick King, who spoke about his expectations for the event.

At that time, King noted that the groups were "just about ready" and were about to start transporting their costumes to the parade route.

"The plans are going extremely well. We are getting workers in place and the vendors are all set up. We're very pleased with the way things are going," he said.

King said ticket sales have been going "tremendously well" since they became available on Tuesday.

"We are just about sold out. There's only a few more bleacher seats that are still available," he said.

"Persons are responding very well to the lowered prices. They are very appreciative of the fact that the Committee has taken into consideration the economy."

King said the Committee had been in contact with officials of the Weather Department who indicated that, aside from some winds which were expected to die down, there was no apparent threat of rain for the evening.

"We are very thankful of that and it seems as if the weather should cooperate," he said.