A traditional wood-fired Pizza oven at the new Wildfire pizzeria and bar has added another food option to the already successful mix of retail offerings and commercial enterprise at the Old Fort Bay Town Centre in Western New Providence.

At their recent late night Christmas Extravaganza, patrons in party mood, many with youngsters in tow, took advantage of the extra-special seasonal shopping discounts, festive entertainment and specialty foods and wines, staples at the annual event. One lucky shopper, Rhonda Rolle, won $1,000 shopping spree when one of her receipts from an evening of shopping, was pulled by Solomon’s Fresh Market Santa Claus.

Philip Simon, President, New Providence Development Company Limited (NPDCo) the shopping centre developers, said the evening helps bring about a community sprit among the attending residents from the surrounding areas of Charlotteville, Old Fort Bay, Lyford Cay and the newly completed Venetian.

“The New Providence Development Company and its affiliates join in the celebrations around the world during this holiday season marking another successful year of business and corporate relationships. As we would have experienced, the Annual Extravaganza is not just a gala event on the December schedule, but a tremendous opportunity for friends and families to revel in the spirit of gifts, giving and fun. Needless to say, mission accomplished! We look forward to the new year and playing our part in the continued growth of the surrounding and wider community in 2015.”

NPDCo real estate VP Jane-Michele Bethel said that the celebratory event, now in its third Christmas, gets better each year. “We all look forward to this event, it gets better every year as our wonderful store owners roll out the ‘red carpet’ with great specials and tasty bites to go with the wines and champagnes - it’s the perfect opportunity to show customer appreciation and showcase things to come in the New Year.”

Ms. Bethel said that with the expansion of the surrounding communities and new ones added such as the Venetian, the area is experiencing a growth spurt.

“We have so much more to offer now with more shops and restaurants at Old Town, including the opening this year of an RBC bank branch, BTC, the Wildfire wood fired Pizza and bar, Happy Pets Veterinary clinic and animal hospital, the Old Fort Bay Preparatory school, and a Shell Gas station.”

Anchored by Solomon’s Fresh Market West and The Royal Bank of Canada the retail mix consists of: Naughty Johnny’s Bistro, Old Fort Bay Paediatrics, HG Christie Real Estate, Tangle Hair and Nail Salon and Calypso Kids Collection the Bahamas Design Centre West, The Island Store, Liquid Nutrition, Your Friendly Pharmacy, Sushi Rokkan, His Fashion, Benetton, Dermalogica Skin Centre, Going Places Travel, Keg Ranch Wine and Spirits and Touch Control high tech entertainment needs.

Beth Higgs-Mabon of HG Christie, in chic offices above Naughty Johnny’s Bistro, said that they opened an office in the West to meet increasing demand for residential and commercial property in the West.

“This is a good move for us and we are excited to be here because as far as community development is concerned, this is where it’s happening.”

Author and art collector Dawn Davis signed copies of her beautiful new coffee table book entitled ‘TableScapes’ inside the Island Shop bursting at the seams with gorgeous gifts galore. Naughty Johnny’s, off-shoot of the long gone but not forgotten Johnny Canoe in the Nassau Beach Hotel, remained packed all evening, as did Rokkan Sushi and the new Wildfire Pizzeria and Bar. Solomon’s Fresh Market served colourful vegetable platters, fresh fruits and cold cuts and cheeses. And 20% off storewide for the evening kept sales associates busy at the popular Bahamas Design Centre West. Five members of The National Youth Choir sang a selection of popular Christmas songs and the evening came to a fitting fun end with a Junkanoo Rush Out performed by the Bahama Dancers.

Five members of The National Youth Choir sang a selection of popular Christmas songs and the evening came to a fitting fun end with a Junkanoo Rush Out performed by the Bahama Dancers.