Caribana wish list

With one band launch just one month away today, and most of the others following in May, it's got me thinking about what I'd like for Caribana 2K10...

Here in Toronto our needs for Caribana are different than in Trinidad for Carnival. Many Trinidad all inclusive bands provide 2 days of unlimited drinks, food, port-a-potties, resting vehicles, etc. on top of their premium costumes. So when you pay minimum $500 US, you're paying for much more than a costume.
While it's true a lot of Caribana masqueraders play mas in Hamilton and even Barrie, they really have a shorter one day experience.
When I first played mas 10 years ago, I paid $100. In 2009, $155.

I understand that prices have to increase due to inflation - but with that price increase, I'm expecting quality to also increase. I can say that fortunately costume quality has improved year after year. Since we're talking bikini mas here, I realize designs are limited. But still, try to impress us! Designers, challenge yourselves, step it up every year, source out different materials, bring out complimentary colours & showcase creative costumes.

So, since it's mainly about costumes, on the top of my wish list is an outstanding, breathtaking headpiece. BIG, bold, beautiful. True, there are some masqueraders who aren't into big headpieces, or they don't even wear one. But for me, it's not mas unless I've got a crowning glory on top of my head.

Next, and equally as important, is a real bra. I've played in a string bikini top (2008), and it was my most uncomfortable mas ever. The strings dug into my shoulders, leaving indents. Yes, bruised for days. Very painful. Since the top was nicely decorated, and I figured I paid for this(!), I actually wore it again for Hamilton & Barrie. Yep, my craziness. But that's nothing, remind me to tell you what I wore at Caribana 2000... Anyway, real bras look much better than thin spandex. They give those of us who need it proper support. In 2007 the padded push up bra was fantastic (Water Lilies), and last year's La Senza bra worked quite well (Tembu Warriors).

When it comes to the waistband, the problem with that flimsy plastic that's the norm is, it rips, tears, breaks! The best waistband I wore was in 2008 (Anne Bonny). It was made of a strong material, and there was no way it was going to tear. So I know a stronger stylish material/cloth can be used. Oh, the best bottoms I had were American Apparel boy shorts, also Anne Bonny.

Section leaders/designers, if you're significantly changing any part of the costume, communicate that, let your masqueraders know. You've got our email addresses, phone numbers, and many sections even have their own facebook groups.
Ah yes, security. Whether it's rope pullers or a plastic fence, it should be apparent that bands need to provide some security. The barriers just haven't been cutting it. Wouldn't it be ideal if TO could do like NYC & have an army of cops along the route? But that's not happening. I suppose it's claustrophobia, because I hate feeling enclosed by stormers with no easy exit. It's not safe, that crush of people, and accidents always happen. Besides, they shouldn't be in the band anyway. (They didn't pay for this!)
Finally, provide food, water, juice & pop, & I'm good to go.
What's on your wish list masqueraders?