Dec. 8, 2001 – Rain showers that passed through St. Thomas for much of Friday relented just in time in the late afternoon for the hundreds of people who flocked to Havensight to partake in the Christmas festivities at the Havensight and Port of $ale malls.
For many, the highlight of the evening was the ceremonial lighting of the huge trimmed Christmas tree positioned between the two shopping complexes, which were unified last summer. For others, nothing else could top the arrival of Santa Claus.
The program began shortly before 6 p.m. with performances by the group Signatures and Spirits from the V.I. Resource Center for the Disabled. Dressed in patriotic colors and covered in glitter, the group of 14 youngsters performed a "Tribute to Tchaikovsky," a series of dances to the music of "The Nutcracker." Their performance culminated in a moving piece using sign language to the music of "God Bless America."
Carolyn Smith, center executive director, said the young people were all excited to be performing and to be "the center of everyone's attention."
Edward Thomas, president of The West Indian Co., directed the lighting of the tree. Once illuminated, the glowing symbol of the Christmas season became the focal point for picture taking, as people took turns posing beside it. Havensight Mall building lights also were switched on, revealing Santa and his reindeer atop the roofs.
Excitement mounted near Havensight Building II as the elves of the St. Nicholas Brass band began to warm up for Santa's arrival. Flanked by members of the Antilles School moko jumbi troupe Jamboree, the jolly old elf arrived in a golf cart "sleigh" bearing hundreds of gifts for a thrilled crowd of children.
Musical entertainment spread throughout the mall area was provided by local bands including Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights, Cool Session Brass, Lashing Dog and Imagination Brass. Steelbands from Dober and Sibilly Elementary Schools added to the festivities.
All shops remained open until 9 p.m. allowing for plenty of browsing and Christmas shopping. Those looking for local arts, crafts and taste treats could shop at booths set up at the main entrance to Havensight Mall, then grab a johnnycake or a full meal from one of the many local food vendors set up for business.
It was a festive ushering in of another Christmas season as residents of all ages shared an island holiday tradition with visiting hotel and cruise ship guests. The event was sponsored by the Havensight Merchants and Professional Association, WICO, Rainbow International Airlines, Cruzan Run (distributed by Premier Wines and Spirits), Coca-Cola Bottling of the V.I. and Bellows International.
