Carolyn Johnson, Staff Reporter
Children ride the ferris wheel in the Kidz Korner at the Youth Summer Splash held at Ardenne High School on Saturday. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
POSTPONED TWICE because of hurricanes Ivan and Dennis, Youth Summer Splash 2005 was finally held last Saturday. Though it was not as dramatic as the hurricanes, the event brought enough of the excitement for those who turned out.
Held on a section of the Ardenne High School playfield, the concert had a great line-up which included performances from Orandy, Portrait of Praise dancers, the Perpetual Praise Team and TNJ.
The event promised clowns, face painting and grab bag in an exciting Kidz Korner but none of these were seen when The Gleaner team arrived at the venue in the late afternoon. The Korner, however, was not lacking excitement. With Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, bounce-about and water guns, the children were well entertained.
FOOD FOR ALL
And for those who came to eat, the venue was circled with different booths, offering many varieties of food, such as Indian, jerk and fried chicken. Pizza, popcorn, snow cone and natural juices were also on the menu.
The entertainment segment, when it finally came, was also good. Goddy Goddy gave a quick performance, apologising because of prior engagements. His performance included a hot young dancer, Little G, doing 'Willy bounce an dip'. He was also accompanied by his brother Prodigy for Sure.
The crowd was not always very responsive. Despite calls by Goddy Goddy to "get something an wave affa Titus," many remained seated. It also took much coaxing from the Katalyst Crew to get many persons dancing.
"Young people if yu party fi Jesus mek we see you come up to de front," said the lead singer of the Crew. This call garnered a small gathering before the stage, determined to party. However, songs like It's Raining and Hear My Cry needed no boosting.
LATEST DANCE MOVES
Many patrons drew to the back where all the latest dance moves were done and Christians jumped and waved rags of various colours for Jesus. The group then slowed the pace with Can't Take God Away.
After their performance, DJ Marshall of Praise House ran a segment asking for the Jesus Party crew, D.J. Nicholas took to the stage. By now, the seats were vacant as patrons either danced or just stood around with friends. Accompanied by the Perpetual Praise Team, he did the popular He's My Daddy - O.
The moon was out when M.C. Nadine Blair introduced Kevin Downswell, "A minister of the gospel," a fitting close for an energetic evening. Downswell led the remaining patrons into the presence of the Lord. Beginning with Great is Your Mercy, Donnie McClurkin style, the worshipping experience began and led to an altar call. This experience continued as all the youths went to the altar to join in prayer.
