The children-centred Carnival event Nikkiland is back on. However, its success hinges on the support of corporate T&T and the public.
Earlier this week, organiser Nikki Crosby cancelled the event due to a lack of sponsorship. In an interview on CNC 3’s Morning Brew yesterday, the comedienne, actress and radio personality said while corporate T&T came on board, it is not enough.
“I still need help. I got a few dollars to get it going but kinda praying the public comes out to cover most of the costs. Any corporate (entities) out there, we’re willing to take the help,” she said.
Crosby said she has always experienced issues with the event, especially because there are more logistics involved than for an adult party.
“When it’s children, you have to be so careful—insurance, and clean up crew—it has become very expensive,” she said.
She said while she had many sponsors who were willing to give back to children by way of products, much-needed financial sponsorship has not been provided.
“At the end of the day, when I looked at the kind of expenses, there’s no way what I collect at the door would be able to pay for everything,” she said.
Crosby, who revealed that the situation had left her heartbroken and in tears, said the night after she announced the event had been cancelled she got a call from Soca stars Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez.
“Fay-Ann and Bunji called me and said, ‘Niks, you need to jump back on the horse. You can’t give up, we can’t give up, let’s do this.’ By the morning I got a few dollars here and there and we trying to put everything together and I said okay, let’s do this,” she said
She explained that Nikkiland provides clean, wholesome and enjoyable Carnival entertainment for families. At $200 a ticket, which allows entry for one child and a parent, it is affordable.
Crosby said she hopes that experiencing performances at the event inspires the children to become the next superstars in the country.
“If we’ve inspired one kid, I’ve done my job,” she said.
The event is scheduled to take place on February 10 at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
