Anyone ever go to the Washington DC Caribbean Carnival?

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We are planning on going to Washington DC for 3 days on our way down to Hilton Head this June. I just found out that our day of arrival (June 28) is the day of the Caribbean Carnival parade. Has anyone gone to this event? What is it like? How big of an event is this? We weren't planning on arriving at the hotel (Le'Enfant Hotel, don't know if I spelled that right!) until around 4:00, which happens to be during the parade. Is it worth going earlier for, or should we go later to avoid it? Any opinions from those in the DC vacinity would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!