When the communications company's 2K8 Kadooment band crossed the busy intersection, most of the costumes that would have left the Stadium yesterday mid-morning were still spectacular.

At minutes before one o'clock, the junction vibrated with Edwin Yearwood's and Khiomal's voices on Insane as krosfyah eased revellers down to Spring Garden. Contact, from the looks of it, was one of the best looking bands on the road.

It was clear that the broiling mid-afternoon sun was taking its toll and krosfyah's cool, groovy soca tunes were what waistlines and feet needed.

Just prior to Contact's arrival Baje International waylaid the junction. Colourful and plentiful indeed with costumes that once told of glitz and glamour.

However, revellers were not exactly the most energetic. Some deep in the belly of the band found the drive, while others were watching the sky pleading for some reprieve from the heat of the sun.

As promised, a substantial representation of the island's law officials were present to ensure that the multitude on either side of the ropes cordoning off the masquerade bands were safe, and law-abiding.

Thick, fragrant whiffs of grilled fish, chicken, fries and macaroni from nearby vendors swirled deliciously through the air, tempting passers-by and revellers only too eager for a bite.

Every available car park and nook and cranny were jammed with vehicles from early morning, and people were picnicking in the bed of open trucks, complete with umbrellas.

Band after band trudged through the sticky, sweltering heat, ramming and jamming to blaring soca as waves of joyous cries punctuated the air as revellers threw themselves into gay abandon of the mas' on the final day of Crop-Over 2k8. (MS)