Flamingoes and boa constrictors, books and babies, carols and crafts, gifts and girls, drinks and drama, plants and pillows, food, fun and fantasy! That’s Jollification 2013–themed “Have A Honkin’ Conkin’ Christmas Jollification”–with the biggest crowd in years, according to organizers.
“Christmas Spirit arrives each year in Nassau with the Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) “Jollification” weekend (Nov. 22-24) bigger and more varied than ever this year. It’s the BNT’s major fund raiser and we are so proud to have been a major sponsor each year,” says Mrs. Sandy Rolle, Bristol Wines and Spirits Vice President of Sales and Marketing. She added that most of the products featured are now on sale at all Bristol Wines and Spirits stores.
Bristol Wines & Spirits–once again the main sponsor of the event and for many its biggest attraction–offered adults the opportunity to sample more than 23 different beverages at stalls grouped together in the outdoor “Mistletoe Lounge.”
The major brand sponsor for the event was ‘BACARDI’ featuring the new flavor of FUSION PINEAPPLE. Other brands from the Bacardi portfolio included: Bacardi Select, Bacardi Limon,Bacardi Oakheart, Grey Goose, Grey Goose L’Orange, FInlandia Tangerine, Finlandia Cranberry,, Jack Daniels & Egg Nog, Dewars White Label, Dewars 12 Yr Old, Dewars 18 Yr Old, Courvoisier VS, Courvoisier Rose, Courvoisier Gold (Moscato Grape Infused), Patron XO Café, Patron XO Dark Coco, Patron Pyrat Rum, Patron Cask, Patron Anejo Silver and Reposado, Patron Citronage, Pama Holiday Spritz (Para Pomegranate liqueur with sparkling wine) and Hop-Skip & Go Naked drink feature.
Visiting experts pouring and mixing with finesse included: Dennis Collazo, Bacardi USA Area Manager for The Bahamas; Juan Cartagena, Bacardi Brand Specialist, Caribbean; and Carlos Garcia from Dewars.
In the popular “Mistletoe Lounge,” patrons sampled Bacardi Rum Cake, Sands Beers and Watlings Rum while they collected recipes and sampled a wide variety of Bristol spirits and liqueurs. Seasoned Bristol Wines and Spirits staff, volunteers and visiting expert mixologists poured and answered questions.
Mrs. Lynn Gape, Education Director for the National Trust, confirmed the increased attendance at the 2013 Jollification. Co-Chairpersons Robin Symonette and Sally Varani-Jones and their committee came up with even more innovations this year.
The many food stalls were allotted even more space and formed Food Courts in several different areas. Among the jolly culinary delights were: baked goods from The Inner Wheel Club of East Nassau; soup from “Hands for Hunger”, conch fritters from “Batter Girls” , flavoured fresh lemonade (ginger, strawberry etc.); two different Greek food booths; Philippine Delights, baked crabs and dozens of other tasty treats.
An even larger number of booths than ever included hand crafted Christmas ornaments and gifts, local jams, art, elegant jewellery and straw work, several plant booths, plus BNT memberships and the ever popular book stall, relocated to the Poincianna Lawn.
The Children’s Crafts Corner, sponsored by Asa H Pritchard drew a huge crowd to the bright enclosure at the front of the garden. A visiting Bahamian Boa Constrictor charmed the children who made Christmas ornaments, decorations and party favours. Kids of all ages enjoyThe Bahamas Humane Society was on hand with their I.D tags which might help your pet find his way home in case he goes astray over the Holiday Season.
Jose “DJ HO” Ageeb provided lively commentary and the joyous sounds of Christmas as a sound track for the memorable event while shoppers ticked off their gift lists.
The spectacular Christmas festival attracts visitors from the whole of New Providence, The Family Islands and abroad.
Jim Amstulz of Leblon Natural Cane Cachaca (Brazilian Cane Rum) and assistants Denotra Taylor and Jerimah Colle manned probably the busiest booth on both days as hundreds of “Retreaters” sampled drinks featuring “lemon juice, lime juice, a dash of Sprite and cucumber slices.”
Bristol Wines and Spirits Marketing Director Samantha Coakley observed, “ Courvoisier Rosé, a new product from the famous company, held court along with popular Courvoisier VS and Courvoisier VSOP. Many of the items sampled at Jollification will be on sale at all Bristol Wines and Spirits stores this coming week.”
Raj Nagia, Bombay Gin Mixologist and Bacardi Caribbean Manager Dennis Colazo kept busy serving specialty Bombay drinks. Premier Cru Manager Sue Horton and Miss Bombay/Bacardi Skyler Johnson assisted.
Finlandia Vodka introduced “Mango Skin,” a novel and tasty treat featuring a mango juice mixer and enjoyed by hundreds during “Jollification.” Other cool Finlandia combinations were pineapple flavoured vodka with pineapple juice and a slice of fresh mango or pineapple plus a lime flavoured vodka served with tonic water and a squeeze of lime.
Feeney’s Irish Cream Liqueur was served straight up chilled with ice, as was Martini & Rossi Sweet Vermooth Rosé.
Patrón Tequila starred at “Jollification” in unexpected ways: Patrón XO Café – served chilled as a shot, no ice, or with cream; Patrón Silver – served chilled as a shot, no ice; and Patrón Citrónge – served with tonic or cranberry juice and Ultimate Vodka – served with tonic or cranberry juice or combining the Citrónge with the Ultimate Vodka and cranberry juice.
Other organizations present at Jollification included Hands for Hunger, the Discovery Club, Commonwealth Bank, and Bahamas Speed Week.
By P. S. News/Features
