Freeport News
Freeport, Grand Bahama- In an attempt to draw business to the downtown area during the Christmas season, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) will host a Christmas Concert this Saturday.
Stores in the area will be offering sidewalk sale items while schools, churches and other organizations will conduct performances on the theme 'Angels of Hope.'
According to Geneva Rutherford, director of Community Relations for the GBPA, the festivities will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday where the St. Georges High School Band will lead the march around the perimeter of the downtown area.
The event, she promised, will be an inspiring one to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
"It is the first time that we have done this type of activity and it is the aim that as we shop and walk around, we will all be inspired by the real message of Christmas.
"We all need to remember why we have this season ... and what we really want to emphasize as we share in the activities, is that the whole reason is to uplift everyone's spirit."
Arthur Jones, vice president of Building and Development for the GBPA noted that this year was probably the most challenging Grand Bahamians have had in a very long time.
"We know that there are many persons who have had very difficult times and we are very conscious of that, and as we decorate the city for this season we are very mindful of so many persons who are in need," he said
"This year we thought that it was more important to share a lot of what we had with those who were in need."
With the assistance of a local art group, made up of students, Jones said that residents can expect to see the art work of these students depicting the GBPA's versions of angels of hope with inspiring messages, draped from lamp posts along the downtown centre, as the holidays draw closer.
The GBPA has also teamed up with the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) for the window decoration competition. Business-es in the downtown area have been invited to decorate their windows depicting the 'Angels of Hope' theme. The winner from the downtown area will receive a one year licence fee wavier.
GBCC president, Peter Turnquest said that they are targeting the downtown area for special recognition and the aim is to get as many of the downtown businesses and the wider community to participate.
Judging for the competition will take place on December 23.
