Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi, Fire District Chief Curt Marcellin, Police Deputy Chief Lawrence Akers, City Councilors Lavar Click-Bruce, Malo Brown, Justin Hurst, and Jesse Lederman, State Representatives Bud Williams and Orlando Ramos, and members from the Springfield Fire and Police Departments, and the Hampden County Sheriff's Department were also in attendance.
Mayor Sarno states, “I want to thank Fire District Chief Curt Marcellin, Gloria Scarlett, President of 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 from Rebecca Johnson School to Blunt Park.”
