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Last Updated: Dec 4, 2017 - 9:22:00 AM |
Sawyer Boy - “That’s my go-to shot, Patron XO Cafe.” Pictured with Shannon Dawkins at the Patron booth in the Bristol Wines & Spirits’ Mistletoe Lounge. The BNT 2017 Christmas Jollification is one of The Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) major fund raisers.
Photo by P.S. News/Features
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8,000 Rock the Mistletoe Lounge!
The BNT’s Christmas Jollification could hardly have been more jolly as near record crowds, approximately 8,000, turned out for the two-day one night event at the BNT’’s Retreat Garden on Village Rd., Nov. 17-19. A “Jolli” vibe filled the garden setting at the BNT Retreat, created by live music and festive cocktail samples from Bristol Wines & Spirits, main sponsor of this important fundraiser for the Bahamas National Trust.
“It’s a major fundraiser for the Trust and it gets the Christmas Spirit soaring each year in our Mistletoe Lounge,” says Carlynn Sands, Retail Marketing Manager for major all-time sponsor Bristol Wines and Spirits.
The famous Bristol Mistletoe Lounge, shaded by palm trees and pavilions, was alive with music and jolly booths with famous spirits including:
1. Jack Daniels, featuring shots of Jack Daniels Honey and Jack Daniels Fire. As well as popular Jack Regular with Coke & Ginger Ale;
2. Finlandia Vodka, featuring the “Helsinki Mule” - Finlandia Lime, Ginger Beer and Cucumber;
3. Grey Goose Vodka, featuring “Le Grand Fizz” - Grey Goose, St Germaine, Club Soda, Lime;
4. Bacardi, featuring the original “Mojito”;
5. Dewars, featuring Dewars 12 yr, 15 yr, 18 yr, and Aberfeldy 12yr single malt;
6. Bombay Sapphire, Gin and Tonic;
7. Patron, featuring XO Café and Mango;
8. Courvoisier, featuring “Midnight in Paris” - Courvoisier VS and Ginger Ale with Orange slice garnish.
9. Sperone sparkling wines, featuring the Chill Prosecco, Moscato and Moscato Rose.
10. Marc Roger XO Brandy and Blendis Coconut Rum Cream.
11. Aristocrat Vodka, featuring the “Bahama Breeze” - Aristocrat Vodka, Hpnotiq, Sprite and Pineapple Juice.
12. Goslings, featuring “Dark and Stormy” and Swizzle.
Beaded Beauty - Made from local straw work, Aidan Anais Barrow creates unique and vibrant purses. This talented design student does the hand beading herself. Photo by P.S. News/Features
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“The Bacardi Superior Mojito is one of the hottest drinks of the day,” reported Bristol Wine & Spirits’ Carlynn Sands as she sold tickets for full sized drinks. “People always ask for more of their favorite samples, so this year for just $5 we’re giving it to them.” Bacardi’s Original Mojitos were merrily muddled by “mojito master” Kenneth McPhee for near record crowds on Member’s Night.
Sands Beer was encouraged in lieu of tips, as live music kept Jolli crowds lingering in the Mistletoe Lounge. The mood was happy and relaxed as the crowd sang along all Saturday afternoon to the sounds of Pineapple Down and lead singer Tim Daniels. On Sunday, Skylarkin’ took over the stage to the delight of attendees.
Jolli sippers were fired up about the Jack Daniel's “Fire & Honey” which includes Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire and Tennessee Honey. Rochelle Bastian says “It tastes like red hot candies, with a kick,” while Karen Sweeting says it’s like “Sweet Honey Fire, emphasis on the sweet!”
“The new Blendis Coconut Rum Cream is similar to eggnog, especially once you add the Marc Rodger Brandy XO. This is a great addition to your holiday parties, suggests Ms. Sands.
Mango Selfie - Capturing a “Patron Mango Selfie”, this group of merry friends enjoyed the new this year ability to purchase large drinks (Mojitos in red travel cups) as well as tasting the free samples from Bristol Wine & Spirits, in this case Patron Citronge Mango Liqueur, perfect addition to margaritas or chilled on it’s own. L-R Shannon Kemp, Crew Pub Owner Marcian Sawyer, Megan Davies, Jessie Page, and in back Chris Sweeting.
Photo by P.S. News/Features
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A merry team from Let’s Party sampled “Le Grand Fizz,” a sophisticated Grey Goose cocktail made with an elegant blend of Grey Goose Vodka, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, soda water and lime. The Let’s Party ladies were also promoting their festive Sex on the Beach jello shots, always made with Bristol Wine & Spirits products.
Midnight in Paris! The smooth flavours of this romantically named cocktail kept people coming back for more. Recipe includes Courvoisier VS and Ginger Ale with an orange slice to garnish.
Promoting the soon to start Nassau Darts Youth League, Nassau Dart Association members Sandra Ferguson, Christian Knowles and Mike Russell helped youngsters test their skills with this free activity in the Mistletoe Lounge at the 2017 Christmas Jollification!
The first booth under the Pavilion at Jollification is usually Pico Crafts, where delighted shoppers find unique gifts for everyone on their list. The hand-crafted pillows are always a stand out, created by Pippa Cole, Life Skills teacher at St Andrew’s International School. Dozens of Jolli booths filled the Jolli Market and sent Santa’s shoppers home with big bundles and big smiles.
Mojito Magic - “The Bacardi Superior Mojito is one of the hottest drinks of the day,” reports Bristol Wine & Spirits’ Carlynn Sands as she sold tickets for full sized drinks. “People always ask for more of their favorite samples, so this year for just $5 we’re giving it to them.” L-R Chellesa Knowles, Jermain Seymour and Carlynn Sands, Retail Marketing Manager for all time major sponsor, Bristol Wine & Spirits.
Photo by P.S. News/Features
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Jollification is THE major fundraiser for the The Retreat Garden, the first national park on New Providence. “The Garden is already important as an outdoor classroom introducing thousands of schoolchildren annually to the flora of The Bahamas,” reports Lynn Gape, BNT Deputy Executive Director. “However it also has terrific potential for touristic visitation and the BNT will be working with the Ministry of Tourism and volunteers to develop infrastructure to support increased visitation from the tourism sector.”
All funds raised from the 2017 Christmas Jollification go to support The Retreat garden and will be important for this next phase of development for the garden.
Mrs Gape emphasized that “BNT is tremendously grateful to all who supported Christmas Jollification this year. Special thanks to the sponsors of this wonderful event: Bristol Wines and Spirits, Commonwealth Bank who provided 150 volunteers, BTC, Bahamian Brewery, Caribbean Bottling , Asa H. Pritchard, Summit Insurance, Bahamas Waste,Bahamia Rental, Freedom Sound Productions.”
Popular Pico Crafts - The first booth under the Pavilion at Jollification is usually Pico Crafts, where delighted shoppers find unique gifts for everyone on their list. The hand-crafted pillows are always a stand out, created by Pippa Cole, Life Skills teacher at St Andrew’s International School. L-R Jenna Chaplin, Sheila Chaplin, Pippa Cole and Owen Lowe. Photo by P.S. News/Features
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