Imagine taking a trip to all of the Islands of The Bahamas at Christmas time and collecting the very best crafts, ornaments and souvenirs each island has to offer. Everything from crocheted angels to colourful Junkanoo dolls, handwoven strawcraft, original Christmas ornaments and homemade holiday treats!
Fortunately this Christmas we can save the plane fare and still find all of the treasures of the Islands in one place, without leaving Nassau – at the Ministry of Tourism’s 8th Annual Authentically Bahamian Christmas Craft Show, set for today, from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. in the Ballroom Foyer of the Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Festival Place, Prince George Dock.
This year’s Authentically Bahamian Christmas Craft Show will be officially opened by Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe and will feature more than 70 booths of the most exquisite locally made products from Nassau, Grand Bahama, Andros, Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, Long Island, Cat Island, San Salvador and Inagua.
A broad diversity of artisans will provide the general public, visitors, merchants and hoteliers with a unique opportunity to see, taste and purchase the best The Bahamas has to offer in locally made gifts, souvenirs and Christmas ornaments.
In an effort to increase linkages between the tourism sector and local manufacturing, this much anticipated event is being held in cooperation with the Bahamas Hotel Association’s Annual General Meeting. According to Rowena Rolle, Senior Manager, Business Development, the Authentically Bahamian Christmas Craft show has been “growing by leaps and bounds”.
“Every year we see new creative products. Also quite a number of artisans have participated in our souvenir and ornament competitions and I think these have really helped to bring out the best in our artisans. We’re seeing so many products that are not only superbly made but also well packaged and presented,” Ms. Rolle said.
In addition to an exciting variety of products to purchase, Ms. Rolle said persons attending this year’s craft show should expect a festive Christmas atmosphere and an enjoyable event. “There will be complimentary eggnog for everyone, many opportunities to win prizes throughout the day, and a Junkanoo rush-out to wind things up. We will be here until 8 p.m. on Friday so people can come after work, enjoy happy hour and do all their Christmas shopping at the same time,” she said.
Another highlight of the Authentically Bahamian Christmas Craft Show is the annual competition among artisans for a number of prizes. This year prizes will be awarded for Best Booth, Best Product, and Most Creative and Authentic Christmas Ornament. The judging will take place immediately after the opening ceremony.
The 8th Annual Authentically Bahamian Christmas Craft Show is sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, the Royal Bank of Canada, Bacardi Company Ltd., Bahamas Development Bank, Purity Bakery Ltd.; Scotiabank Bahamas Ltd. and J.S. Johnson.
