By Justin Whyte, Senior Staff Reporter 
A section of the crowd that came out to the New Kingston Civic Association's Christmas Bazaar and Tree Lighting ceremony last Saturday. - Winston Sill
THE NEW Kingston Civic Association presented its annual Christmas Bazaar and Tree Lighting ceremony last Saturday evening at the New Kingston Hip Strip, Knutsford Boulevard.
According to Jackie Knight-Campbell, director of Public Relations at The Hilton Hotel, New Kingston, the event was held to raise funds for children charities in the Corporate Area and other children charities islandwide.
The day's activities included a float parade along with marching bands, booths and displays, a concert and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Ricky Chin, concert programme co-ordinator told The Gleaner, "the concert featured several outstanding groups and individuals. He also said, outstanding performances were given by Amina Blackwood Meeks, who gave the children a lesson on the history of Christmas, Oneil Peart, JCDC's Festival Gold medal winner, the WORD gospel ensemble, Jamaica Military Band, the Immaculate Conception High School band and choir, Cari-Folk Singers, Portmore Vision Chorale, Praise and Adoration Chorale, National Housing Trust Chorale and Grace Remittance Chorale.
"Each year I try to make a difference by presenting a programme that is varied. And, according to reports, this year's has been well received," Mr. Chin said.
During the programme there was a fantastic 10 minute lighting display, courtesy of Digicel. "There was a countdown from 10 ... the lights were turned on along with a balloon-release which went up with the INTECH lighting effects, Mrs. Knight-Campbell told The Gleaner.
Of particular interest too was the Kids' Village, sponsored by KFC. The village housed a merry-go-roun', bounce-about, ferris wheel and simulators. "There was a three-seater buggy, which transported Santa Clause, Volier Johnson, actor and entourage with gifts for the children, and the toast of the day was 'Chicky P' - KFC's mascot," Mrs. Knight-Campbell said.
Meanwhile, to add to the attractions, there was a Shopping Village, co-ordinated by Carol Taylor. "The village was designed to give everyone an opportunity to sell their goods. Visitors who were coming into the island, they were able to get a preview of what was in store for Christmas. There was a wide variety of craft, jewellery, flowers, Christmas Cards and CDs. The CDs contained a wide variety of Jamaican music."
There were complimentary booths for charitable organisations to display their products, including Mustard Seed, National Initiative for Street Children, Missionary of the Poor, Vouch and St. Patricks Foundation, among others. Cheques were handed out to the various charities by the Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke and the chairman of the New Kingston Civic Association, Stephen Facey made a presentation to the United Church of Jamaica Basic School, Montego Bay.
There was also a gigantic float parade with each showcasing different sponsors' themes.
According to Denton Wood , general manager of the New Kingston Civic Association, "Overall, this year was a good effort. Each year it gets better. However, we could do with more people attending."
