WICO’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festivities Slated for 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

By Source Staff — December 4, 2013
The West Indian Company Ltd. (WICO) 2013 Christmas Tree Lighting and Jazz Concert will tie the bow around the company’s year-long Centennial Celebration.

Spectrum Band and Flambo Combo will be the featured artists at the final Centennial Concert Series performance. The concert is one of this year’s highlights of the annual WICO Christmas Tree Lighting. Festivities will be held from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Havensight Mall and on the WICO dock.

“We have enjoyed observing 100 years of uninterrupted service to the community by bringing the best music from the community to the community at no cost,” said Joe Boschulte, WICO president and CEO. “We will continue to do so on a monthly basis although it will no longer be under the banner of our centennial celebration. We are especially pleased to feature Spectrum Band and Flambo Combo in our finale since they were among the most popular performers in our centennial concert series.”

Entertainment throughout the day will be provided by the Gladys Abraham Choir, the Joseph Sibilly Sunrays and Choir, EBO Steel Owls Steelband and the BCB Blazers Steelband.

Flambo Combo, Bertha C. Boschulte Junior High School’s Cultural Ensemble, performing under the direction of Calvin Jones, will kick off the evening’s entertainment from 5-6 p.m., just before the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Following a ceremony honoring popular radio personality and perennial Master of Ceremonies Irvin “Brownie” Brown, a Christmas Parade will wind its way through Havensight Mall, beginning in the area between Buildings 1 and 2, and ending in front of Warehouse 3.
Parade participants will include the St. Thomas Majorettes, the Sebastian Majorettes, the Charming Twirlers Majorettes, the Charlotte Amalie High School Marching Band, the Addelita Cancryn Junior High School Marching Band, the Joseph Gomez High Steppers, the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Dynamite Rays Marching Band and the Holy Family Cultural Dancers.
Spectrum Band will provide music to wrap up a fun-filled evening of shopping and merriment.
Local vendors and community groups also have been invited to participate. The Norwegian Epic, Carnival Conquest and Royal Princess are scheduled to be berthed at the dock.

The concerts are held monthly in conjunction with WICO’s observance of its centennial.
Concert series sponsors are The West Indian Company Ltd., United Jazz International, Concessions International LLC and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. The concerts are free and open to the public.
The management and staff of WICO extends heartfelt wishes for a safe and enjoyable holiday season to all.

WICO Christmas Tree Lighting Schedule of Events
11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. -- Entertainment, Arts & Crafts/Vendors Plaza at Parking Lot outside Welcome Center; Gladys Abraham Choir, Joseph Sibilly Sunrays and Choir, and EBO Steel Owls Steelband
3 – 5 p.m. -- BCB Blazers Steelband
5 p.m. -- Flambo Combo Performance at Gazebo, West Indian Company Dock Entrance, Western side, Welcome Center
5:20 p.m. -- Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at entrance to Arts & Crafts/Vendors Plaza
5:40 p.m. -- Santa Arrives at Christmas Tree, Building 6, in front of Café Havensight; Gift distribution in front of Executive Offices
6 p.m. -- Christmas Tree Lighting, Building 6, in front of Café Havensight
7 p.m. -- Christmas Parade begins between Buildings 1 and 2, ends at Warehouse 3
8 p.m. -- Spectrum Band Performance at Gazebo, West Indian Company Dock Entrance, Western side, Welcome Center