After year-long preparations, the finals of the annual minstrel competition took place on Saturday February 16 at Athlone and Vygieskraal stadiums, with some surprise results in the mix. Baruch Entertainers capped off their minstrel season by walking away with their first crown, with old boys, Shoprite Pennsylvannians, adding yet another Carnival trophy to their cabinet and newcomers, Elite All Stars, walking away with their first crown in a different section. Thousands of people flocked to the stadiums to catch a glimpse of their favourite teams competing in the coveted group song and exhibition items.