The Tribune

Junkanoo shacks are abuzz as the days tick down to Boxing Day. However, in other corners of the Bahamas, in back yards and living rooms, another type of preparation is in full force. For Skipper Lansan Munroe, three time winner of the Sir Durward Knowles Festival of Lights boat parade, the routine is all too familiar.

“We all come from a Junkanoo background so we understand concepts in terms of how things will work and respond in different conditions. Our displays stood up even though there was rain in the first year. And you have to portray exactly what the judges are looking for. If they give you a theme, you have to present that theme to the best of your ability,” said Lansan.

Four years ago, Lansan left the Junkanoo shack and took up residence in his living room with two friends and crew members – Derwin Munroe and Marvin Lockhart – to build costumes of another kind: Installations in light for the popular harbour front light show. The event is scheduled set sail on Saturday, December 21 with some old faces and some new faces, celebrating 50 years of tourism in the Bahamas.

The 25-foot yacht “Late Check Out” has joined the fleet, as well as a 69-foot commercial boat TropixZone. They may be new and they may be big, but they will still have to get by returning champion “On the Edge”.

Boats compete for a $20,000 purse, and Lansan is determined to pull off a four-straight repeat.

Last year he sold his Rybovich boat, and now cruises in a Regulator that still carries the “On the Edge” name. Although he is a certified boat captain, Lansan uses his boat mainly for recreation: fishing in the bountiful waters of the Bahamas.

“The first year we participated it was something different to do. We were tired of the Junkanoo scene. We thought it was different. From that point we got more involved and our designs just became more intricate; we found more detailed ways of capturing the themes,” said Lansan.

In the inaugural year, On the Edge set itself apart with a Bahamian conch shell, fabricated from wire and lights. In the second year, they created a dolphin display, with about four dolphins jumping in sequence. Last year they won with an intricate Christmas display: Santa flying a sleigh drawn by pink flamingos highlighted by a floral display of yellow elders and bouganvilla.

“The making of the actual displays is very similar to how you build Junkanoo costumes. Instead of cardboard and crepe paper we use lights to get the effect of colour and shape. It is extremely tedious and intricate,” said Lansan. Most of the other material is familiar: wire mesh, pencil rods and hard tubes bent into shape.

Preparation for On the Edge usually starts between six to eight months ahead of the actual event. Brain storming ensues once the theme is declared. This year was no different. With only a few days left before lights turn on over the harbour, On the Edge is ready to shine.

Tickets for the event are available at the Mall at Marathon Business Office and Festival Place Tourist Office: Bleacher seating is available on Pier #16 for a close up view of the boats: adults $15, children 6-12 - $10 and under 5 $5. Tickets for the Greatest Party on Earth - $60. Call 427-3757 or email festivaloflightsbahamas@gmail.com. Don’t miss the Greatest Party on Earth on Pier #16 after the parade. Event parking available on Kelly Dock, East Street North at $5.