Roxroy McLean, Gleaner Writer

The Independence Celebration and Float Parade to celebrate Jamaica's 46th anniversary was a grand affair. This member of the parade shows our photographers a conflation of the Jamaican and English colours. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

After being absent for several years, the Independence Day Float Parade made a grand comeback on Wednesday.

Scores of Jamaicans clad in the national colours of black, green and gold lined both sides of the road to witness what was a spectacular event.

Despite the immense heat, patrons were determined to celebrate the nation's 46th anniversary of political independence from Britain in fine style.

Anxiously waiting

While The Gleaner journeyed to the start-off point at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Hope Road, persons could be seen anxiously waiting at gas stations and on street corners.

The fashionably designed floats grabbed the attention and most patrons were left in complete awe of the spectacle.

The parade, inclusive of various sports and classic cars, 10 float trucks and four music trucks, rolled down Hope Road. A patron, overwhelmed by the proceedings, shouted, "A long time now, I don't celebrate Independence like this."

Good old days

For some, the experience reminded them of the good old days, and Rohan Tomlinson, who claimed to be following floats for a long time, saw the move as a wonderful way to celebrate Independence.

"Hey a long time I don't see them tings here man," he said. "Right now, its the best ting that can happen for the country. 'Cause, when I was younger and use to follow the floats, it was just pure excitement," he added.

Excitement surged as spectators screamed when they saw Miss Jamaica World, Yendi Phillipps, Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2008, Katrina Grant, and several other Jamaican beauties passing by in the awesome vintage cars.

The spectators were obviously delighted, and persons could be found jumping up and down, blowing whistles and waving Jamaican flags.

Even some patients at the Andrews Memorial Hospital on Hope Road came outside to join the massive celebration. One patient who didn't give her name was overwhelmed by the experience. She shouted, "Jamaica, land of beauty."

According to her, the event brought some satisfaction as it was the first time she was witnessing the float parade.

"This is my first time, and to tell the truth and I'm very satisfied," she said.

"I always hear people talking about float parade, and now that I've seen it, it feels good, the floats are fantastic," she added.

Wildfire

With the theme 'One love, One Family', it was certain that the message spread like a wildfire, as people from all sections of the society came out to celebrate.

"This is great, I've met so many new people today," said one patron.

The floats were great, and they were complemented by the bands which kept the spectators entertained throughout the parade.

The floats depicted images of Jamaica's national heroes, the agricultural industry and the cultural lifestyle. All the pieces unfolded received great admiration from onlookers.

Most of the excitement came from the Jonkunno Band. Masked in scary images the revellers used the opportunity to frighten the children.

The two-hourlong parade started on Hope Road, down on to Half-Way Tree Road on to Oxford Road, across to Tom Redcam Avenue, and ended on Arthur Wint Drive. The cost per float is $2 million and there were 10 floats on display.