Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Thursday, August 16, 2001
Release #291-01

Contact: Sunny Mindel / Sid Dinsay 212-788-2958


MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS RECEPTION IN HONOR OF THE
34TH ANNUAL WEST INDIAN AMERICAN DAY CARNIVAL PARADE

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani hosted a reception tonight at Gracie Mansion to honor the 34th annual West Indian American Day Carnival Parade, the biggest celebration of West Indian and Caribbean culture in the City and one of the largest single-day cultural events in North America.

"Our City has benefited in many ways from the presence of a large and dynamic West Indian and Caribbean community," Mayor Giuliani said. "In all facets of our society -- politics, education, religion and culture -- they have played an important role. New York City is proud to host the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade -- the biggest and best celebration of those contributions."

The Mayor was joined by Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington; James Lawrence, Chief of Personnel, NYPD; Joseph Fox, Assistant Chief for Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, NYPD; Carlos Lezama, President of the West Indian-American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA); Jean Alexander, Director of Public Relations for the Caribbean American Center; and other business and community leaders.

The 34th annual West Indian American Day Carnival Parade begins at 11 A.M. on September 3rd. The Parade starts off at Utica Avenue in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and continues on Eastern Parkway to Grand Army Plaza. Organizers expect tens of thousands to participate and over three million spectators to line the route.

The Parade is just one of many events during the West Indian American Day Carnival, held at various locations in Crown Heights and Flatbush, Brooklyn. Carnival festivities begin Thursday, August 30th and are capped off with the Parade on September 3rd. Those interested in a complete list of Carnival events and activities may contact the Caribbean American Center at (718) 625-1515.

WIADCA has sponsored the West Indian American Day Carnival for the past 34 years. WIADCA is a not-for-profit community organization that develops and promotes Caribbean folklore, art and other cultural events.

www.nyc.gov