The Christmas or “Festive Season”, as it has become known, in recent times, ends after the first several days of January. Looking back in Anguilla, it has been a mixed occasion.
The usual Lighting-up of the main tamarind tree, at the historic trough, the row of mahogany trees, along Coronation Avenue, in The Valley, and the nearby grounds, unfortunately, did not occur in 2020 due to the non-arrival of the required materials. But the Lions Club and The Valley Community, the organisers, did a tremendous amount of preparatory work for the occasion and ought to be highly commended.
In view of the arrangements, including the many sponsorships, as acknowledged by the colourful bows on the tree trunks, and the planned events, some of which were nevertheless held, it would have been a most enjoyable and well-presented series of events.
The mass crowd of merry makers, seeking somewhere to go, however, found much delight at the South Hill Community 8th Christmas Experience and Lighting Parade, and related activities, on December 21. A report, sent to The Anguillian newspaper by Ms. Quanesa Richardson, Office Assistant at Greig’s Trucking, gave an apt description of the various events held by the South Hill Community Club.
She wrote: “The streets of South Hill came alive once again with a colourful light display on December 21, 2020, when the South Hill Community Club hosted their 8th Annual Christmas Experience & Lighting Parade. Additionally, the club hosted the first ever South Hill dance of the Kidz Edition.
“The action kicked off with breakfast from 7 am when hot cakes, salt fish and lionfish, amongst other food items, were sold. The rock oven was kept busy all day, baking Johnny cakes for which most festive goers requested butter as the only accompaniment to the cakes.”
The writer continued: “There was live entertainment by Boss and the Horsepower Band; Mystic Vibes; DJ Legend; Samique; DJ Sugar; Whenum Band; and Forward Within Dance (FWD) Group.
“For the parade, both adults and children decorated their glow sticks, followed the lighted floats from Bethel Methodist Church to the South Hill Field. The pulsating sounds from the drumming by the Boys Brigade, and the rhythm from DJ Vicious, were the musical entertainment for the parade. Following the parade, gifts, including cupcake, were presented to the children.
“The first South Hill Dance for the Kidz Edition was a big hit. The little dancers were overly excited to participate in the festivities. Team Red won the competition. They were represented by Azharia Gumbs, Saige Gumbs and Ca’Myah Hughes and were choreographed by Regine Niles. Teams Blue and Green were choreographed by Alvonique Frank and Toniquewah Ruan. They were represented by Tiquannia Lewis, Chamere Herbert, Saaaraji Vanterpool, Micaiah Hughes, Kiara Gumbs and Lakaisja Mills.
“Another highlight was the Outdoor House Decorating Contest where residents decorated the outside of their homes to be judged. The winners and their themes for the 2020 competition were as follows:
“Winner: Mr. & Mrs. Godfrey Carty. Their theme was: ‘6 Foot Social Distance Christmas’. They were awarded EC$550.00 credit towards their electricity bill; First Runner-Up: Mr. & Mrs. Perry Hughes, whose theme was: “Oh Boy, Christmas is Here’. Their prize was EC$350.00 credit towards their electricity bill; Second Runner-Up: Mr. & Mrs. Glendon Carty. Their theme was: ‘Poor Christmas Covid-19.’ They received EC$450.00 credit towards their electricity bill.
“Another first for the South Hill Christmas Experience was the Vaughn (Bolo) Hughes’ Food Competition. The event was aptly named after him, one of its founders who passed away during 2020. The vendors were judged on the best sweet potato dumpling. The winner of the competition was Irene’s Kitchen, with Karia Hughes winning second and third places.”
The report from the South Hill Community Club listed and thanked a large number of businesses, other organisations and individuals who sponsored the events. The Club offered its best wishes to all for the New Year.
