Dec. 4, 2001 – One of the traditional signs that Christmas is coming is the ceremonial lighting of the huge trimmed tree at the entrance to Havensight Mall. Technically speaking, that won't happen this season — because they're moving the tree! But the festivities are definitely on for this Friday, and the public is invited to the party.
Because the Havensight Mall and the adjacent Port of $ale Mall along the West Indian Co. dock were unified last summer, the tree is being erected between the two shopping complexes. The lighting ceremony, however, will take place at the same place as previously — at the dock end of Havensight Building II, the long structure to your left as you go through the mall main entrance and proceed toward the dock.
The program will get under way at 5:30 p.m. with music singing and signing by the group Signatures and Spirits from the V.I. Resource Center for the Disabled. "They performed at last year's lighting ceremony, and they were wonderful!" Linda Pinson, executive director of the Havensight Merchants and Professional Association, said.
Following the switching on of the lights at 6 p.m., Santa will make an appearance with enough gifts in his bag (and those of his helpers) for the first 500 children who stop by. Live music will continue until 9 p.m. with appearances by the Dober and Sibilly School steelbands, Cool Session, Imagination Brass, Lashing Dog and Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights.
Arts and crafts and local food vendors will be set up for business, there will be door prizes and mall merchants will keep their doors open until 9 p.m. Pinson said the party is an opportunity for residents to visit with old friends and "mingle with our island guests."
Sponsoring the event are the Havensight association, WICO, Rainbow International Airlines, Cruzan Rum (distributed by Premier Wines and Spirits), Coca-Cola Bottling of the V.I. and Bellows International. For more information, call 777-5313.
