FARLEY HILL NATIONAL PARK came alive yesterday as St Peter residents and visitors from across Barbados gathered for Gatherin’ On De Hill – Ole Time Picnic & Family Reunion, marking the parish’s contribution to the island-wide, year-long celebration.
Despite overcast skies threatening rain, the event drew a modest but spirited crowd to the well-preserved park, where veteran entertainers TC and son of the soil Stiffy had attendees alternating between dancing on their feet and swaying in their seats to pulsating soca rhythms.
“We love, love, love it here,” said Lisa Kallis who, despite visiting from the United Kingdom, proudly considers herself Bajan.
“Number one, I love the people – 100 per cent the people. Secondly, the food is amazing, and thirdly, the music. I love seeing people getting together. Everyone’s happy and that means so much more.”
The gathering served as more than just entertainment; it embodied the true spirit of community that We Gatherin’ aims to foster.
Dale Harrison, a member of the St John Parish Organising Committee, emphasised this point stating: “ We Gatherin’ is important to bring back the community spirit in Barbados. At these events, a lot of people that haven’t seen each other in a while get to reconnect and even meet new friends.”
Harrison is particularly looking forward to May, when St John will have its moment to shine.
“I can’t wait for May to get here because that’s when St John will be taking over. So far though, I enjoyed St Lucy. I’m enjoying St Peter and I can’t wait to enjoy the other parishes in between now to May.”
Heritage of the park
The afternoon saw attendees scattered across the grounds, with some travelling from as far as Christ Church and St Philip to participate.
For Liana Worrell, who made the journey from Christ Church, the event offered a nostalgic return to a cherished location.
“I haven’t been to Farley Hill in years,” she shared.
“From being a child to now, not much has changed, but they have still maintained the heritage of the park and the space is still well kept.”
Resident Antia Boyce praised the initiative’s accessibility.
“It’s a good initiative to get people in the community out, to get people together to socialise and enjoy themselves. And this event is for free, so of course everyone loves that.”
The celebration extended beyond mere entertainment, incorporating spiritual elements that resonated with attendees like Julie, who had attended an Anglican event the previous day.
“The gospel was so sweet. I was just dancing. It’s good to incorporate God in the midst of things,” she said.
Vibrant atmosphere
The comfortable weather conditions added to the day’s appeal, with a cooling breeze providing relief under the February sky.
While some participants, like Corren Boyce, noted the initially sparse attendance, the crowd grew as the day progressed, creating an increasingly vibrant atmosphere.
For many, like Maureen Cadogan of St Lucy, the St Peter celebration was just one stop in their We Gatherin’ journey. Having already attended events in Speightstown, she was enthusiastically looking forward to what St Peter’s programme would bring.
“So far We Gatherin’ has been great. St Peter has now really started so I’ll see how it foes but so far, so good,” Cadogan said.
(DS)
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