Holiday shopping is on the list of residents and tourists this week on St. Thomas. Helping to lighten the spending mood, the Port Authority hosted a day-long event at the Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal in Sub Base.
Merchants flung open their doors Wednesday for the Crown Bay Center Holiday Fest. Locals joined more than 6,300 passengers from the Wonder of the Seas, enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas – V.I. style.
Shopping and socializing went hand in hand as afternoon clouds brought sprinkles and a seasonal breeze, good for strolling around, taking in sights and browsing.
The competition was on to capture the attention of would-be shoppers. Jeweler Charles Matthew blended the seasons of Christmas and Carnival to draw a crowd.
Browsing for gifts and trinkets can bring on a thirst. Seated under a shady umbrella, Wonder of the Seas passengers Shelley Ames and Ferleshare Starks from Houston, Texas, called their day at the Crown Bay fest a good one. “We love it; we’ll be back,” Ames said.
Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe kicked off an evening of live music with the lighting of the center’s Christmas Tree around sunset. Headliners Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Nights brightened the evening air with lively holiday tunes, followed by Quelbay Resurrection and Spectrum Band.
Holiday shopping extravaganzas to come include Miracle on Main Street and the Havensight Christmas Tree Lighting.
