BUDGET Budget Budget vs Labor Of Love

Thursday, August 13, 2009 clivia 4 Comments

So, Ive been talking to couple section leaders and band leaders for Miami Carnival. and the topic du jour of course is Budget.

With the economy as it is, it's almost becoming a decision by band leaders or section leaders to risk their personal financial position and continue with production or sit out the season.

With Trinidad and Labor Day carnival already upon us, band leaders are finding issues, with materials, and of course production. When you were able to find production groups willing to schedule the time to make costumes for Miami Carnival, because of the seasons being so close together, your finding that your sources for swim suits, for production, for materials, are choosing to pass on your offer because they are ALREADY overwhelmed for Trinidad Carnival.

Which then means sourcing your labor locally. For some bands this is not a problem, but for others it makes things very difficult and would then involve in house production when most people have a 9-5 as well as a mas band.

On top of that is the fact that in Miami you cannot afford to outprice yourself. while people will pay 200+ dollars for costumes in New York for Labor day, for some STRANGE reason, they wont pay that price in Miami. Materials are more expensive, even when bought in bulk, and you cant pass on that bump in price to the masquerader.

So when you go to your section leader or band leader or Mas band, Make sure you tell them thank you for doing this..because it sure as HELL not about profit...its a labor of love.


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