The 10–day event which will be held at the Botanical Gardens in Tanteen, St. George’s will run from 13 to 22 December, 2013 between the hours of 6:00 pm to 12:00 midnight.
“We’re going to be transforming the Gardens into a Grenadian Christmas wonderland,” NCC’s Public Relations Officer, Shirma Wells said.
Ms. Wells explained that the decision to move the event from the Grand Etang area to the Botanical Gardens was a carefully thought-out ecological one that is in the best interest of preserving national heritage.
“A lot of research was done, and we found out that the footprints that would have been left back in the forest after the event would have been damaging to it. Grand Etang is not only a national heritage site, but a renowned tourist attraction, so we’re doing this in the interest of preserving the environment as best as we can,” she said.
Speaking of the event’s new venue, the PRO said that the Botanical Gardens presents the same outdoor feel as the Grand Etang Rainforest — with its plants and trees – but with the added benefit of accessibility, which would attract a larger number of persons, including visitors to the island. “Being a central location, we believe that the event can attract the tourists that are here on the island as well,” she said.
“Christmas in the Gardens — The Essence of Spice” will be open from 6:00 pm to 12:00 midnight every night, with lively performances from choir groups, steel pan orchestras, solo artistes, dancers and live bands from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
It promises to be a fun-filled family oriented affair.
“We’re going to be putting up a lot of lights and Christmas figurines. There will also be a Nativity scene and Santa Claus and his sleigh… We’re also going to be displaying our spices and flowers and things that are very ‘Grenadian’ at Christmas time,” Ms. Wells said. There will also be toy distribution and a Santa Claus present every night for the children.
Persons interested in vending gifts and other Christmas treats during the event are invited to contact the Grenada Cultural foundation on 435–2839 for more information on securing a stall at the Gardens. No unauthorised vending will be allowed.
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