Dec. 18, 2006 — A total of six balls, to celebrate the inauguration of Gov.-elect John de Jongh and Lt. Gov.-elect Gregory Francis, will be held Jan. 1-3 throughout the territory.
The three-day event begins on January 1, Inauguration Day, with two balls on St. Thomas, followed Jan. 2 by three post-inaugural balls on St. Croix. The sixth and final ball on St. John will cap the inaugural festivities on Jan. 3.
Eileen Petersen, territorial chair of the Inaugural Committee, says the inaugural festivities are a celebration for the entire V.I. community. "This is an exciting time for the Virgin Islands," Petersen said. "The deJongh/Francis team received such strong and diverse support from our community, and the balls reflect that energy and excitement."
The inaugural balls on St. Thomas will be held at the Marriott Frenchmans Reef Resort with Milos Kings entertaining, while the sounds of PYour Passion will fill the air at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort, the location of the second ball.
On the night of Jan. 2 on St. Croix, the Divi Carina Bay Resort, Elizabeths at the Palms (the former Comorant) and St. Georges Botanical Gardens will play host to the three balls. Xpress Band and Hartatak International will bring the crowd to their feet at the Divi and the contagious rhythms of Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights and Image Band from Washington , D.C., will play at Elizabeth s at the Palms. Two more bands, Sabor Latino and Forever More, will entertain at the Botanical Gardens.
On St. John at the Westin Resort, Cool Sessions Brass will provide the pulsating rhythms the band is known for.
All balls begin at 9 p.m. Tickets are $75 and are only good for the specific location for which they are purchased. Tickets cannot be purchased at the door, and no cash will be accepted at the door.
Tickets are available for purchase at the following outlets:
St. Thomas Inaugural Balls
Reichhold Center box office, Parrot Fish (Back Street), V.I. Bridal and Tuxedo Rental, Urban Threadz at Buccaneer Mall, The Dollar Outlet at Fort Mylner
St. Croix Inaugural Balls
Alliance Clothing (Frederiksted), Eccentric Shoe Boutique, Ada 's Creative Touch (Christiansted) and at Applause in the Sunny Isle Shopping Center.
St. John Inaugural Ball
Connections in Cruz Bay and The Dollar Outlet Store
For more information, call the Inaugural Office at 714-5646.
