Dec. 14, 2003 — At Paul E. Joseph Stadium in Frederiksted, a small but enthusiastic crowd basked in the late day sun to view the crowning of this year's Crucian Christmas Festival prince and princess, 11-year-old Donnell Francis and 10-year-old Ashley J. Garcia.
The show was a royal event that featured youth talent, beginning with the Business and Professional Women princess performing her winning skit, based on the story of "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp." Framed by a backdrop of an elaborate Indian palace, Princess Nikita arrived on stage via a magic carpet and lamented her sad plight: being an Indian princess who didn't know how to dance!
Luckily she had a magic lamp, and with one rub of the lamp and a whispered wish, the music began. Soon Princess Nikita was the best belly dancer in all the land.
Later in the evening, Motion Dance Academy featured three talented ballet dancers who performed to a gospel song, while the Charles H. Emmanuel Elementary School princess contestants performed a lively carnival dance number.
Also on the program: 10 contestants from the Miss Elementary School pageant, who performed an Afro-Latin-Calypso-inspired dance number, and a performance by the Arthur A. Richards Steppers, who wowed the crowd with its intricate footwork.
In case you were wondering what the well-dressed pre-teen wears to coronations, you only had to fix your eyes on the fashion show that was presented by New Millennium Kids Boutique, the event's major sponsor.
Despite all the wonderful young talent, the highlight of the show was the transfer of the coveted title from last year's festival prince and princess, Tehvin Holder and Shakeda Archibald, to the new royal couple. With grace and style Tehvin and Shakeda took their final walk and thanked all the people who supported them throughout their reign. They hugged and congratulated Prince Donnell and Princess Ashley and gracefully stepped back out of the spotlight.
The new royal couple will reign over the 2003-2004 Crucian Christmas Festival and will also preside over the Children's Parade and appear at several other functions during Festival.
For a complete listing of Crucian Christmas Festival events, see our 2004 festival events guide.
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