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St. Croix Gets in the Holiday Spirit at Christmas Spoken Here

Dec. 7, 2008 — The scents and sounds of a Caribbean Christmas filled the air Sunday in St. George Village Botanical Gardens at Christmas Spoken Here, as choirs sang Christmas Carols and Santa got wish lists from children.
"This is an event that gets the Christmas spirit started," said St. Thomas resident Toni Banks. "I love it here. This is my third time here, and this is the best year ever."
The scent of pine was in the great hall, where 10 trees from the garden's annual gala and tree auction, held Friday, were on display. The tree of contributing artists Connie Lemco, Betsey Campen and other Pallatteers, covered with four-by-four-inch framed original works of art, took in the most with a $2,100 bid. The Queen of the Carnival with red, green and gold masks garnered $1,700 for the garden. People who buy the trees usually donate them to places such as the Queen Louise Home or the Herbert Grigg Home.
"We had a fabulous gala on Friday," said Leslie Hoffman, administrative director of the garden. "Today we are blessed with cool weather, a nice breeze and a nice crowd."
Eighty vendors sold everything from soup to nuts. Vendors and artists sold pottery, jams, sauces, jewelry, books, CDs, woodcrafts, clothing, shell art, lotions, clothing and more.
"I've done this event before and did really well," said Karen Johnson, jewelry designer. "Today has been slow — I think it's because of the economy."
People were buying orchids and hibiscus from the plant sale at the garden's nursery.
"I did a little of my Christmas shopping today," said local Bonita Repp. "This is always a lovely event."
For the second year, a Christmas Cooks competition was held for traditional holiday fare.
The categories were sweet breads, Vienna cake, tarts and coquito. Professional chefs do the judging, awarding first- and second-place winners. Starfish Patisserie took first and Jacklyn Jarvis came in second for the best Vienna cakes. In the coquito category, first place went to Sylvia McGregor with second going to Reyna Kitnurse. Jacklyn Jarvis got another first place for her tarts and Laurie Samuel got second place.
As a small fundraiser for the garden, attendees paid 50 cents to sample the award-winning goodies.
"We didn't have quite as many enter this year as last," said Marilyn Chakroff, volunteer. "It may be because of the high price of things like butter and nuts."
A raffle was held, with Carol Burke of the St. Croix Environmental Association winning a helicopter ride.
There were Christmas Carols sung by the Country Day School, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Good Hope School and Southgate choirs. The Elizabeth Robb Music students also provided Christmas music.
"Auntie Janice" Tutein, local storyteller, told children stories and instructed them in Christmas crafts on behalf of the Friends of the St. Croix Public Libraries. The Friends also had a booth selling used books, and members spoke to people about joining the organization.
David Hamada led a tour of the garden, where he serves as horticulturist. The garden was hit pretty hard by Hurricane Omar, but none of the damage was evident Sunday. Even the 7-year-old baobab knocked flat during the hurricane stood straight and tall, with supports, and looked healthy.
"This has been a very successful day," said Lindsay Houston, volunteer. "The spirit of the season is really high here today."
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