BY ERWIN FONSECA| NT NETWORK
MAPUSA: Undeterred by the rains thousands from far and wide on June 24 turned up to witness the Siolim San Joao boat parade that was held in the afternoon. The programme at the venue consisted of a live entertainment show, spot prizes, boat parade and finally the fire work display.

Rabin D’Pietro sang various songs to keep the crowd in high mood. Konkani stage  artistes Prince Jacob, Mil Mel Nel, Tony Martins, Annie Quadros, Junior Reagan, Humbert, Joe Rose,  John D’Silva, Nato , Joseph De Parra and Cajie de Curtorim sang songs , cracked jokes and  kept the crowd in good humour throughout the evening. In all 7 boats participated in the boat parade.
This time, the versatile participant, Mr John from Badem who for the last 50 years participated in the Siolim Sao Joao dressed as St John De Baptist, was conspicuous by his absence.  
Each boat was well and artistically decorated. All seven boats proved to be excellent. Participants in the boats were seen jumping in the creek and taking a bath signifying the symbolic spirit behind Sao Joao.
Various spot prizes were given to the people which included a prize for the best ‘kopel’.  The Chief Guest for the event was local MLA, Mr Dayanand Mandrekar while the Guest of Honour was the former sarpanch of Sodiem, Mr Francis Fernandes.
The programme began at around 3 p.m. as people thronged both sides of the road. With the rush of people, a traffic jam as usual was seen. The police were seen trying their best to regulate the flow of traffic.
All through out get together, the famous C Alvares song called Viva Sao Joao was being played.  Later, Alister Gomes presented a dance performance. The programme ended with a fiery display of fireworks.
The boat Elephant from Marna won the first prize. The second prize was shared by the Vaddy Boys and Green Revolution from Badem. The third place went to Dragon Fly and the fourth place went to Blooming Stars. Other boats too won consolation prizes.