Photo by ellievanhoutte

The annual D.C. Caribbean Parade has been saved! Well, by Baltimore.

After weeks of uncertainty as to whether the 20th installment of the annual parade and festival would even take place, the organizers of the D.C. festivities announced recently that the event would be split up, with the festival taking place on June 23-24 in Bladensburg and the parade on July 14 in Baltimore. The text of the announcement:

On the weekend of June 23-24, 2012, DCCC will showcase the Annual Pan Jam, featuring local Steelbands and the Annual Dimanche Gras featuring the judging of costumes and live entertainment at the Crossroads Entertainment Complex, 4103 Baltimore Avenue Bladensburg, Maryland from 3:00 p.m. Admittance is $15.00/adult, children 12 years and under $5.00.

On the weekend of July 13 -15, 2012, DCCC has accepted an invitation to join the Caribbean American Carnival Association of Baltimore (CACAB) in their Annual Caribbean Carnival/Festival, at Lake Clifton Park, Baltimore, MD 21218 for a “Baltimore/Washington One Caribbean Carnival ” celebration!

On Saturday July 14, 2012, the Parade starts at 12:00 Noon at 900 E 33rd Street, travels along Alameda Street to St. Lo Drive. The Festival continues at Lake Clifton Park until 10:00 pm; $10 entrance fee. On Sunday July 15, 2012 the Festival continues from 12:00 Noon to 9:00 pm featuring Intl. Entertainment, sponsors and food and crafts vendors; $15.00 entrance fee.

While it’s a defeat of sorts for the city’s Caribbean community, it’s likely the best resolution. Over the last two years, the parade’s organizers racked up huge bills with the city—few of which have yet been settled. According to invoices and letters provided be D.C. officials, the parade’s organizers owe the city over $210,000 for the 2010 and 2011 parade, the majority—$179,000—to pay for the police that line the route and block off intersections along it. This year D.C. quietly told the parade’s organizers that until their debts are paid off, the city won’t be able to kick in to help make the event happen.