Wine and Arts Supports National Parks

Fri, Feb 6th 2015, 02:57 PM

After having to postpone the festival due to bad weather, Bahamas National Trust (BNT) members and the general public were able to enjoy the Annual Wine and Art Festival in January this year. The cool weather, fine wine and beautiful art displayed in the lovely Retreat Garden set the stage for a lovely afternoon.

The annual festival featured over forty talented artists, a selection of over sixty wines from Bristol Wines and Spirits and a wine and food pairing demonstration sponsored by Fresh Market and the Ministry of Tourism's Culinary Tourism Division.

The event also featured special appearances by Emanji Circus Arts with music throughout the day provided by Ambasah and the COB Band. Winners of the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Music Competition also performed on at the festival.

Rusty Scates, Wine Manager for Bristol Wines and Spirits stated, “Bristol Wines & Spirits was pleased to be a major sponsor of the BNT’s 24th Annual Wine & Arts Festival. This festival provides us with a way to help promote our local artists, support the work of the Bahamas National Trust and an opportunity for the public to sample over 60 wines from Bristol’s extensive wine portfolio.”

Wine and Art kicked off with a special members evening sponsored by Scotiabank, where BNT members were treated to delicious hors d’ oeuvres prepared by Chef Ellie and performances by the Emanji Circus on Friday evening. “It was a truly lovely evening,” said BNT Member Amanda Meyers. The Trust was also very pleased that Minister of the Environment and Housing, the Honorable Kenred Dorsett was able to attend the Friday event, visiting with the artists and BNT Members.

Patrons enjoyed the food and wine pairing demonstrations, which featured well known Bahamian Chefs’ Gio Cooper, Carvison Pratt and Jamal Small. Each chef prepared a tasty dish and paired it with one of the wines being offered at the tasting event. Sponsored by Fresh Market, the area was just one of the many activities that occurred throughout the day.

“The BNT Wine and Art Festival was definitely a cultural feast with art displayed for sale, wine from around the world and music throughout the day. The BNT is grateful to all of its sponsors, Bristol Wines and Spirits, Scotiabank, Fresh Market, Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Festival, Bahamas Waste and Bahamia Rental for their support of this annual event,” said Lynn Gape, BNT Deputy Executive Director.

The Bahamas National Trust was created by an Act of Parliament in 1959 to build and manage the national park system of the Bahamas. Possibly the only non-governmental organization in the world charged with such a responsibility the TRUST, as it is commonly known works daily to conserve and protect the natural resources of The Bahamas, through stewardship and education for present and future generations. There are currently 27 National Parks managed by the TRUST with more than 1 million acres of marine and terrestrial areas protected. Website: http://www.bnt.bs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bahamas-National-Trust/25034035861?ref=hl

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