Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined today with Springfield Fire District Chief Curt Marcellin and the Springfield Carnival Association and Caribbean American African Athletics Social Club for the annual Taste of the Caribbean Event held today at 12:00 pm at the Springfield Carnival Association, 827B State Street.
Mayor Sarno presented a proclamation for Springfield’s Caribbean Cultural Festival and Parade Day. Dr. Ishmael Ali was named the 2023 Caribbean Parade Marshall and his wife,
Freedman Elementary School Principal Dr. Medina Ali joined and gave an opening prayer. Board of Police Commissioners member Robert “Cee” Jackson was in attendance. City Councilors Jesse Lederman, Justin Hurst, and Ayanna Crawford, Chief of Staff to State Representative Orlando Ramos also gave remarks.
Mayor Sarno stopped in to say hello to a number of establishments on State Street as well including Clarence “Big C” Smith’s barber shop, The Final Touch, the folks at Phoenix Records and Tapes, the family owners of Merri-Maid Launderette, and the new “Proven” pop-up shop located at 813 State Street and open 11:00am – 7:00pm through August 9th.
Mayor Sarno states, “I want to thank Fire District Chief Curt Marcellin, the Springfield Carnival Association and the Caribbean American African Athletics Social Club, and our entire Caribbean community for continuing to hold this wonderful tradition; the costumes, music and food are wonderful and a must see. I know that Vera O’Connor and Maurice Lindsay are smiling down upon us from heaven. My administration is proud to support the Springfield Carnival Association’s mission to enhance and promote cultural and educational activities in Springfield and surround communities. I have proudly donated to support the Springfield Caribbean Carnival Associations Scholarship program that helps high school seniors of Caribbean heritage who are pursing higher education. Today and every day, the city of Springfield is proud to acknowledge and recognize the Springfield Carnival Association and the Caribbean American African Athletics Social Club as we come together to celebrate Caribbean Heritage. As always, I look forward to also marching in their very colorful and entertaining parade on August 19th from Rebecca Johnson School to Blunt Park.”
