GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT

January 1999 Table of Contents - Current Issue of The Abaco Journal - Abaco Bahamas' Home Page

GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT
by Charlene Fernander

The Christmas holiday celebrations began with the now traditional Annual Christmas Bazaar held at Yamaha Park, Marsh Harbour, for the last eight years (1997 being the exception). Stalls were arranged around the Park displaying everything from Bahamian home cookery to cotton candy and craftwork to woodwork. Many Marsh Harbour stores, such as Buds & Blooms, Abacom and Gardener's Eden, showcased their wares in an attractive fashion. Marjolein Scott's School of Ballet & Modern Dance, which enrols children from the age of four, put on quite an entertaining show. The little girls, adorned fetchingly in pink tights, leotards and tutus, performed a mermaid's dance while Sheila Miaoulis of Seventeen Plaza recited the story aloud. The teenage girls danced a catchy and popular Spice Girls number. The crowd enjoyed the dancing enough to be disappointed in the brevity of the performance. The Christmas Bazaar was the brainchild of Sha' Boyce and Peggy Thompson. The proceeds from the sale of items assist various causes: the upkeep of the playground equipment at Crossing Beach, the upkeep of the public cemeteries, the Cancer Society, and the local animal protection agency - AARK.

Tuesday 8th December saw the much-lauded performance of several choral groups around the Abacos at a concert held at St John the Baptist Church Hall, Marsh Harbour. The exceptional choir from the Mount Zion Baptist Church at Sandy Point, the youthful and exuberant choir from St Francis de Sales, and solos by Joan Moss, also of St Francis, stirred the audience to loud and enthusiastic applause. Many residents hoped for an encore before the Christmas season was over.

Friday night, 11th December, was the evening for the annual 'Jollification' at Royal Harbour Village on Bay Street East. Royal Harbour features a collection of fine shops - Galleria Harbourside, the T-Shirt Factory Outlet, Bahamas Realty and Green Parrot Ltd - which sponsor a cocktail party each year to ring in the holidays. Featured were ceramic sculptures by Lladro, gold and silver jewellery and spun glass creations. The guests feasted on smoked salmon, dessert cheeses, tiny savouries, wine and the traditional egg nog. Female guests were observed quietly but firmly escorting their men over to look at the breathtaking jewellery while Royal Harbour employees stood smilingly by.

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