ANOTHER spectacular African Exposition took place over the weekend at the Bermuda Institute School of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Southampton and the highest praise for its success goes to the hundreds who turned out for the feast of entertainment, food, fashion shows, displays of arts and craft, all with a genuine or substituted African flavour.

There was never a dull moment, from the opening ceremonies that included a half-mile parade by people from all walks of life, young and old, bearing the flags of 57 nations that make up the African continent, to the closing performances by of the Warner Brothers gombey troupe.

The parade formed at Spice Valley School and proceeded along the main highway to the beautifully decorated auditorium. Among the community leaders parading was Environment Minister Denis Lister.

Carrying the flag of Swaziland, and appropriately dressed, Mr. Lister gave the welcome address at the auditorium. He particularly welcomed the two guests of honour, who were brought to Bermuda to give highest-level authentication to the Expo.

They were Ghanaian Dr. Samuel Korantang-Pipin and Dr. Sednack Yankson, both of whom are college professors, authors and Adventist pastors. Minister of Education Paula Cox performed the formal opening speech. At her side was her Central African husband.

A number of other Parliamentarians were prominent in the audience, including Neletha Butterfield, whose workshop on GED Education, was one of several conducted throughout the afternoon. Other workshops saw more than 200 people lining up for free blood pressure screenings, and 50 who were given hand massages. There was a pre-teen pregnancy workshop, one on African folklore and natural nail care.

Included in the wide variety of entertainers were the Brazilian Martial Arts group; the Fires of Africa; the African Dancers; Richard Allen AME Liturgical Dancers. There were a variety of vendors set up around the auditorium, selling and displaying African craft, clothing, fabric, scents, cana variety of vendors set up around the auditorium, selling and displaying African craft, clothing, fabric, scents, candles and books.

The brains, or livewire behind this whole effort, was Patrice Smith. At her right hand were her husband Bob and some dedicated, determined workers.

Patrice said she first conceived the idea more than three years ago while tracing her family tree to Cape Verde Islands, a former Portuguese territority. She visited many nations in her pursuits, and after having seen African markets first hand, she focused on having one orientated to Bermuda. The first, of course, was a year ago.

"Our theme for this year was 'What You Should Know In Order to Grow'. My goal was that everyone should leave this Expo having learned at least one thing or another, said Mrs. Smith.