Mini-Float Competition Added To Heritage Month Activities

The Department of Culture and the Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation invites individuals, students, families, charities and companies to participate in the mini-float competition as part of the Heritage Month activities.

Floats should reflect this year’s Heritage Month theme – “Bermudian Resilience”.

To help the public with their float creations, Rowe Spurling Paint Company, Butterfield and Vallis and BGA Wholesale Distributers, are generously providing 4×4 wooden pallets for free. The pallets can be collected from Kaleidescope.

Today the Acting Minister of Youth Culture and Sport, Tinee Furbert said, “Unfortunately, due to the pandemic we’re not able to host our traditional Bermuda Day Parade this year. But we see the mini-float competition as something that the entire community can be a part of within their own homes and neighbourhoods.

“The floats in the Bermuda Day Parade are one of the main highlights of the event. They are wonderful, creative displays that reflect the spirit, heritage and traditions of our island.

“So, we’re encouraging people to create something amazing by using inexpensive or free materials, natural materials ot just things that they already have around their house. The submission deadline is May 24, and we can’t wait to see what our community comes up with to celebrate our heritage, our culture and our Bermudian Resilience.”

Founder and Director of the Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation Fiona Rodriguez-Roberts said, “We have been providing programs for families to create together at home during these times and we are delighted to partner with the Department of Culture in helping families to participate with the mini float challenge to celebrate Bermuda Day!  We are excited to share our ideas and skills on how anyone can participate in this challenge using easily found materials.”

The Mini-Float Challenge is another one of the virtual Heritage Month activities that the Department is hosting to engage the public.

Entry into the competition is free and easy.

·        Interested persons can visit http://bit.ly/mini-float to sign up for the Mini-Float Challenge.

·        Submissions must be completed by May 24th.

·        For the judging phase, entrants should send their mini float photographs and entry form to bermudaculture@gmail.com.

·        The images will be posted on Bermuda Day for the public to enjoy. The public can email culture@gov.bm should they have any questions.

Dr. Edwin Smith is one of four artists who is participating in the challenge. He provided some tips for the public abotlut his float building process via the following link: https://youtu.be/fXX6qexqVek.

Finally, each of us has a role to play in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Follow Public Health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance and download the WeHealth Bermuda app. Do the research, talk with your doctor and make an informed decision about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.