The vibrant streets of Nelson Street in Port of Spain transformed into a playground of joy on December 26 as hundreds of local children participated in the second annual Taste of Joy Christmas treat. The community event witnessed remarkable growth from its inaugural edition, with attendance surging from 150 to 214 pre-registered participants, demonstrating increasing community engagement and anticipation.
Children experienced an array of enchanting activities including bouncing castles that filled with laughter, artistic face painting stations, challenging ring toss games, and the unique opportunity to enjoy horseback rides provided by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Mounted Branch. The mounted branch’s participation added both excitement and an educational component to the festivities.
Event chairperson Shaakira Phillips-Southerland expressed enthusiasm about the event’s expanding impact, noting: “We’ve observed a significant positive transition in community anticipation. Children regularly approach us asking about the next party, while parents actively seek event details well in advance.” The growing popularity underscores the event’s successful integration into local holiday traditions.
The celebration’s success was made possible through substantial corporate sponsorship support. Key contributors included Kiss Baking Company, Brydens Ltd, Cascadia Hotel, and MovieTowne, whose collective support ensured the event’s operational viability and entertainment diversity. This public-private partnership model demonstrates effective community collaboration for childhood development initiatives.
The Taste of Joy organization has established itself as a valuable contributor to Port of Spain’s holiday programming, providing safe, engaging entertainment alternatives while fostering community bonds across generations. The event’s structured growth suggests potential for further expansion in subsequent years, possibly incorporating additional educational or developmental components to complement the recreational offerings.