Good turnout for Xmas in the City but vendors’ success questioned
This year’s Christmas in the City drew large crowds to Shoreway Drive on Saturday, December 7, delivering festive cheer, but questions remain about whether it was equally successful for vendors who had to pay a fee to operate.
Vendors lined the venue, offering snacks, beverages, and toys designed to delight children. However, some vendors expressed concerns about their sales.
Speaking with BVI News, a few vendors said that while the event was vibrant, it did not result in strong sales compared to previous years. “It just feels like it’s lacking the spirit,” one vendor remarked.
City Manager Janice Brathwaite-Edwards, however, described the event as a success and noted that she spoke with vendors periodically throughout the festivities.
“We spoke to the vendors while it was happening, and they were satisfied,” she said. “But we’re going to have a closeout meeting at the end of the week to find out more.”
She confirmed that while she didn’t get a chance to speak with all vendors, the ones she engaged with appeared content with the outcome.
Saturday’s festivities included musical performances from Cedar International School and Elmore Stoutt High School steel pan bands, whose renditions captivated the audience. Parents and children alike enjoyed the melodic tunes as the bands alternated on stage.
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley made a special appearance dressed as Santa Claus, much to the delight of the younger attendees. Children up to age 12 gathered eagerly at the stage to receive presents, take photos, and share the magic of the season. The Premier’s arrival was a highlight of the evening, drawing cheers from the crowd.
A spell of rain on Saturday night did little to dampen spirits. While adults sought shelter, children joyfully played in the rain, basking in the festive atmosphere.
The event concluded with a tribute to the late musician Claude Parillon, as the Up Top Band performed a closing set that left the crowd on a high note.
Although some vendors hoped for stronger sales, the enduring popularity of Christmas in the City reflected its status as a cherished holiday tradition in the Virgin Islands.
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Satisfied?! You guys should be paying the vendors to be there not charge them! They are the life of this thing…especially those with entertainment for the kids!
DON’T START HOLLERING AROUND TOWN THAT THIS WAS A MAJOR SUCCESS. YAH HEARD??!!
Buy what?! Not worth the exorbitant prices.
That’s why I did my Christmas shopping ONLINE at Walmart and TARGET.
I did my shopping at the Walmart in Puerto Rico. Walmart you can get everything from A-Z. They also pay $17.35 per hour.
City manager described the event AS A SUCESS. SUCESS? SHE SAID?
A fisherman never says his fish stinks!
The patronizing public and the vendors are the only ones that can say if it was a SUCESS or not.That’s fair enough right?
Success? I don’t know what the City Manager took into consideration to conclude that this event was a success.
I know for certain that if she spoke with 96% of the vendors they would not agree with her. I attended on both nights and I know for sure that some of the food vendors had lots of food to take back home. I just hope the fee for participating wasn’t too high and they at least broke even.
Selling over-priced s**t will get the same results no matter where you try to pedal them.
Honestly in my opinion, it’s only one day that does most of the sales which is Saturday. I hope it’s like $20.00 for the fee and no higher, otherwise that’s exploiting people trying to earn a Christmas sale.
500.00 for a booth is absolutely ridiculous and ONLY the government was successful at robbing us blind for Christmas. Tax payers money pay for everything and yet you still have to pay so much for booths. The government have the rights to do what they want out of you all. Why get a booth PERIOD. Everything from the government now should be boycott until all schools are built and roads are fully fixed and the peoples priority Comes first. All these politician doing is buying more restaurants,houses, cars,trips etc out fo your hard working money
Strupes!