It's definitely the season for the Bahamas National Trust's Annual Christmas Jollification, which starts this evening for members and opens up for the general public on Saturday and Sunday. The holiday affair held at The Retreat on Village Road has become the must-attend event for buying unique hand-crafted gifts, holiday ornaments and homemade treats for Christmas. The Arts and Crafts Exhibition features over 75 talented artisans who will have wonderful crafts, jewelry and gifts such as stained glass ornaments, original Junkanoo dinnerware, driftwood creations and straw designs.
The Jolly Market will feature homemade jams and jellies, cakes, Neem products and other goodies. Other popular areas to visit include the book stall and a large plant area featuring orchids, rare palms and other greenery. The Children's Crafts area sponsored by Asa H. Pritchard will feature nature-oriented games and activities and also Christmas crafts. Adults can join in the fun too with Wild Seed Designs who will be giving a workshop on Christmas tree decorating and wreathmaking.
There will also be face-painting, balloon animals, Haagen-Dazs ice cream, cotton candy and a Santa station for picture taking. When hunger strikes, Greek, Mexican and other international delights will be available, as well as Bahamian favorites. And a visit to the mistletoe lounge for a sampling of holiday spirits and fine brews by Bristol Wines and Spirits and Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company is recommended for the thirsty. The Bahamas National Trust is grateful to its many sponsors of this Jollification event which supports the Retreat Gardens, one of 27 national parks.
"We are extremely grateful to our corporate sponsors, Bristol Wines and Spirits, Commonwealth Bank, John Bull, Caribbean Bottling Company, Asa H. Pritchard, Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company, Jim Whitehead and Bahamia Rental for their incredible support," said Robin Symonette, chairperson for this year's event. "Their support makes it possible for us to continue this popular event.
Also a very special thanks to Commonwealth Bank who have stepped up with real corporate participation as their staff will be manning the gate and providing banking services for the event," added Sally Varani Jones, event chairperson. The Christmas Jollification event begins with members' night on Friday, November 16, and is open Saturday and Sunday, November 17 and 18 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $10 and $2 for children under 12. BNT members pay $5. Majestic Tours will be offering a special bus that will pick up people at the British Colonial Hilton at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., returning from The Retreat to the Hilton at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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