The Tribune

THE crowds turned out in force over the weekend despite the inclement weather – particularly on Saturday – for the Christmas Jollification at the Bahamas National Trust Retreat, Village Road, enjoying some of the country’s finest arts and crafts, a variety of food and a tasting of holiday spirits.

More than 75 talented artisans exhibited their crafts, jewellery and gift items for sale and, as ever, one of the most popular areas was the “Jolly Market” which featured homemade jams and jellies, cakes, jewellery, hand-painted tiles and straw designs.

Welcoming patrons to the event will be the friendly staff of Commonwealth Bank, who are also major sponsors. These keen bankers will assist the BNT at a number of booths at the event.

Jim Whitehead, the Nassau florist, decorated the pavilion to create the holiday mood for the event while the plant area proved a draw. The children’s crafts area, sponsored by Asa H Pritchard, featured nature oriented games and activities and Christmas crafts along with face painting, ice cream and cotton candy.

In the Mistletoe Lounge in the pergola area Bristol Wines and Spirits and Bahamian Brewery and Beverage offered sampling of holiday spirits and brews throughout the day while John Watling’s Distillery was on hand with gift sets.

Jollification also catered for food lovers with a variety of chefs preparing Bahamian and international cuisine. The Batter Girls showed off their conch fritters, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church provided gyros, pastitsio, grilled lamb and baklava, while Philippine Delights offered an Asian flavour. Caribbean Bottling were on hand with a selection of sodas as Discovery Club members worked in the Coca-Cola van.