Joyful holiday sounds will fill the Emancipation Garden on Christmas Day at 5:45 a.m. as the Emancipation Garden Christmas Card welcomes the community to the 47th Challenge of Carols event, featuring choirs, bands, and other groups from around St. Thomas, a press release announced.
The event is free and open to the public, and all are invited to attend. The live event will air on US Virgin Islands LEGIT – TV (Channel 26) and WTJX VI PBS TV (Channel 12), according to the press release.
This year’s event will feature the Merry Caroliers, Party Hardy Caroliers, Voices of Love, Bethel Baptist Choirs, Louis Taylor & Friends, Oleik Ledee, Louisa McSween, Lorna Freeman-Woodley, Sparks, Eric Christian Youth Ensemble and Pan-In- Motion Steel Pan Orchestra, the press release announced.
In keeping with tradition, the committee will recognize individuals and organizations who have contributed to the spirit of the season through serenades, performances, and other generous acts that have sustained Virgin Islands holiday traditions. Groups to be honored at this year’s event include Edwin Davis & Family, who will receive the Luther Robles Award. Over the last 30 years, the Davis family has provided delicious holiday treats to eventgoers. Their support of this holiday event has helped to create wonderful moments and memories for families throughout the holiday celebration, the release stated.
The Charlotte Amalie High School Rotary Interact Club will receive the Esther Mark Award, and the Alexander “Ellick” Lloyd Award will be bestowed on Oleik Ledee for his performances and serenades during the season. Rounding out the list of honorees is Eltino S. Pickering, the recipient of the Honorable Choirs Conductor award, it said.
The Virgin Islands’ leading philanthropic agency, The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, will receive the Governor’s Award for their years of support to non-profits and initiatives that impact Virgin Islanders, according to the release.
The day will end with a tramp around the Garden led by Pan in Motion Steel Pan Orchestra, it said.
This year’s television broadcast has been made possible by the support of the Government Employees Retirement System of the Virgin Islands. Other event sponsors include AARP in The Virgin Islands, VIYA, Virgin Islands Council on the Arts, Quelbe Resurrection Band, WTJX USVI PBS, 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas Federal Credit Union, and Attorney Arturo Watlington.
