Dec. 2, 2008 — The holiday season kicks into high gear this week with the Thursday opening of the Crucian Christmas Festival's George "Bagoon" O'Reilly Mini Village at the Christian "Shaun" Hendricks Vegetable Market in Christiansted
The festival is one of the biggest — if not the biggest — entertainment events of the year on St. Croix, featuring a month of parades, music and other festivities.
Entertainment at the mini-village opens at 7 p.m. Thursday with DJ Young Brothers from St. Croix and two V.I. groups: Pure Passion Band from St. Thomas and Stroka Band from St. Croix.
Friday's lineup includes JDPP Jammers from St. Thomas and Daddy Jones, featuring Pumpa from St. Croix.
The Traditional Old Time Nighttime Parade is Saturday, beginning at 8 p.m. at Times Square in Christiansted. Bouncer Band from St. Thomas and Rupshun Band and Fusion band from St. Croix will play.
The Festival Village opens Dec. 26.
On Saturday, Dec. 7 The Prince, Princess and Duchess Show will take place at 4 p.m. at the Island Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for those younger than 12.
The Miss St. Croix pageant, pitting five young ladies from the island in a contest to succeed last year's winner, Chantal Harrigan, will take place Dec. 14 at the Paul E. Joseph Stadium in Frederiksted. Reserved seating tickets are available in advance for $35 each or $40 at the door. General seating is available for $30 in advance, $35 at the door.
Also performing at the Miss St. Croix contest will be reggae singer Da' Ville.
Other events coming in the next month:
— Dec. 12: Calypso Eliminations
— Dec. 13: Soup-Cook Off, a fundraiser for Juan F. Luis Hospital
— Dec. 19: Band-O-Rama
— Dec. 20: Old Time Traditional Pastry, Treats and Food Fair at the Christian "Shan" Hendricks Vegetable Market
— Dec. 20: Coney Island Rides Open
— Dec. 21: Party Monarch Competition
— Dec. 25: Christmas Concert
— Dec. 26: Festival Village Opens, Ribbon Cutting, Recognition Ceremony and Opening Night Tramp
— Dec. 28: Donkey Races
— Dec. 29: Cultural Night and Quelbe Tramp
— Dec. 30: Roast -A- Time (J'ouvert) Fore Day Ma'ning Tramp
— Dec. 30: Food Arts and Crafts Fair in Frederiksted
— Dec. 30: Latin Night
— Dec. 30: Calypso Monarch Finals
— Jan. 1: Caribbean Night Adult and Junior King and Queen of the Bands
— Jan. 2: Children's Parade
— Jan. 3: Adults' Parade
— Jan. 4: Fun Day Festival Last Lap
The theme of this year's festival is "Showcasing Cultural Ties That Bind," emphasizing the many different traditions that the diverse ethnic and cultural groups of St. Croix brought to the island and which bring all its residents together.
For more information about the festival, visit stxfestival.com.
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