Sponsored by Bristol Cellars/ William Brewer Company Ltd. under the theme, “Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas, ” the popular event offers plants, a white elephant sale, a separate children’s crafts area, used books, gifts and decorations for the holidays, foods from around the world and a sampling of holiday spirits, compliments of The William Brewer Company and Bristol Cellars.
Although Hurricane Michelle severely damaged the BNT gardens last year, much of the damage is on the way to restoration with Jollification as a major fund-raiser.
“2001 Jollification was great. Very few of the exhibitors cancelled, so the Jolly Market was much expanded. Participants seemed happy and sold lots of crafts.
“We were very pleased,” said Mrs. Lynn Gape, BNT public relations and education officer and Jollification liaison.
There were nearly 80 exhibitors.
As in 2001, Jolly shoppers will sip samples of Southern Comfort, Carolan’s Irish Cream, Finlandia Vodka and Jack Daniels bourbon or Cruzan Rum while cruising the newly-paved trails, lined with: Orchids and bromeliads, palms and topiary; handmade fine Bahamian furniture, baskets, jams, post cards, jewellery and Junkanoo Christmas decor.
The original “Jollification ” attraction, an astounding array of arts and crafts, most with a Christmas theme or serving as ideal gifts, remains stronger than ever.
Returning favourites include: Mary Clarke’s stylish creations for entertaining; Roddie Pinder (Roddie’s Wood Working) and Stephen Knowles (Stephen’s Native Woods) with handturned native wood products; Pippa Cole’s whimsies in fabric and beads; Linda Sands’ Candor Lt. cork art; handmade jewellery by Sandy George; Rome Heyer and Susan’s Seaglass; mobiles and straw by Something Fishy and the Plait Lady; The Tinkering Turtle stained glass; Goodfellow Farms with fine furniture, frames, baskets and ceramics and life-like, life-sized fish, dolphins and sharks painted on sculpted mahogany by Gail Ray.
Other exhibitors expected are: Bahamas Beanies Collection, stuffed animals; Primashmo Crafts for Junkanoo ornaments, 2001 Junkanoo Theme winner in the crafts section; Pico Crafts needle craft, cushions, applique; Linda Gill Aranha, origami; Allen’s Enterprises Fish Scale Jewellery; Heyer Stained Glass (and jewellery) by Rome Heyer; Quilted Art by Kathy Schaerer; Yvette Andrews’ shell craft and novelties; Jean Kelty Needlepoint; Authentically Cathy, nature craft and Christmas Cards; Creative Crafts by Fran Outten, wreaths and home decorations; Jane Arganright’s beaded jewellery and picture frames; Mariasti Creations, beaded jewellery, ceramics, gel candles and art prints; and Dream Spirit paintings and dream catchers.
Mrs. Gape commented, “We were delighted last year to have several people from the Family Islands participating. Just from Abaco we had Harriet Thompson, ‘The Basket Lady,’ with baskets and vases woven from native pine needles; Colette Bootle, original cards, prints and customized home accessories; Marjolein Scott, watercolours on silk and note cards; Karen McIntosh, handmade ceramics and porcelain gifts;
Bahama Dawn Designs, art quilts, wearable quilts and glass ornaments; and Sheri’s Creations, ornaments and angels. “
The expanded Jolly Market featured: Show- stopping lemon curd and Xmas Decorations from Miss Tiggy Winkle, run by Michelle Kelly; Beachcombers shell wreaths and decorations; Dornell’s Treasures from Eleuthera, driftwood painting; Nadine’s Crochet Work, Coopers Town, Abaco; Top Award Winning Ma Well’s Kitchen, homemade jams and chutneys, and Bahama Bee Jams and Gel Candles (tied as “Junkanoo Theme ” winners in the Jolly Market); Carolyn Caley, gifts for your table, homemade oil and vinegar, napkin rings; Taylor Catering, homemade breads; Rainbow Treats from Rose King, jams, preserves and breads; Sunflower creations, crocheted afghans, fruit cakes; Coco Loco Productions, Eleuthera Honey, baked crabs, homemade cakes; Mollie’s benny cake, pea soup and coconut cake; Marching Angels’ cake and Christmas crafts; Anointed Hand Bakery potato bread; The Klonaris Sisters’ Christmas crafts and handmade jewellery; Livingston Pratt Junkanoo note cards; and Purity Bakery Bacardi rum cakes.
The traditional BNT White Elephant Sale and Book Stall are expected to draw crowds as usual.
“Jollification ” Plant Stalls are always huge hits. Retreat Gardens Curator Bobbie Pyfrom organizes friends to help sell special palms. Flamingo Nurseries sold exotic orchids. Beryl Sheasby’s Beryl’s Bromeliads sells heaps of pristine air plants and living vases.
Errol “Duke ” Strachan’s Garden of Eden shows popular landscape plants, including Ming Aralias, Bahamian Gardenias and medicinal Noni plants.
Steve Kemp’s Native Touches shows off unique toplaries, garden ornaments and furniture in a huge garden within a garden.
Each year, “Jollification ” features a special enclosure for youngsters, the Bluebird Children’s Crafts Area, organized by Debbie Lotmore and Robin Symonette.
This includes the Adventure Learning Centre’s Petting Zoo, many crafts for children, and a special Blue Bird Juice Bar for kids.
East Nassau Rotary and Interact also offer non-alcoholic drinks and water, plus hamburgers for all ages.
Admission for adults, for children under 12, who have a special crafts enclosure.
Anyone who samples ALL the Jolly food will shake like the poetic “bowlful of jelly “, enjoying: Philippine Cuisine from The Philippine Association; pastries and Greek dishes from the Greek community; Lady D’s exotic Indian Cuisine; Mimi Lightbourn’s “Delightful Salads “; Conchcoctions by Christine Rolle, The Conch Lady; East Nassau Rotary’s hamburgers and Pearl’s Native Delights, native dishes by Pearl Mills.
So, look for surprises at every twist of the garden paths, no doubt including “two turtles diving” and a “baca dove in pear tree.”
By Keith H. Parker, PS News and Features
