We From UpStreet Inc. presents its 17th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Virgin Islands Veterans Memorial Park. The theme for this year’s festivities is “Making Spirits Bright, With the Joy of Christmas Lights.” The honorees will be Cornel Williams, president of International Capital & Management Company (ICMC); Clifton “Cliff” Finch, bassist and honorary member of We From UpStreet Inc.; and The Voices of Love Choir, under the direction of Glenn “Kwabena” Davis. Williams was selected by members of the organization because of
his dedication and outstanding contributions to the Upstreet neighborhood and the organization, as well as the many organizations that ICMC continue to assist. The Voices of Love Choir, as well as Cliff Finch have been an integral part of the Christmas celebration in the park, since We From UpStreet’s first tree lighting in 1995.
One of the organization’s major initiatives is its annual lighting of the trees in the park during the Christmas season. The Upstreet neighborhood as well as the entire community have come to enjoy and look forward to this annual festival of lights. The event affords residents of the community to appreciate the many talents of the youth, choirs and cultural performers, as well as enjoy the company of family and friends in a safe and enjoyable environment.
Plans are underway for three evenings of fun‐filled activities, to include annual Christmas carolers, youth and adult choirs, steel orchestras, music ensembles, local bands, as well as other cultural performances.
The dates of the events are as follows:
Sunday Dec. 9 from 4-7 p.m. — Official Tree Lighting, Youth Night and official lighting of the park. Students from the local public and parochial schools are invited to participate in this event.
Monday Dec.10 from 6-9 p.m. — Presentation of Awards Cultural Night with church and community choirs, Quadrille dancers, and Milo’s Kings.
Tuesday Dec. 11 from 6-9 p.m. – Nostalgic Christmas, Smooth sounds of traditional Christmas made famous throughout the years will be presented by Cliff Finch & Friends, along with several well-known local artists.
If a school’s music department, church choirs, or community organizations would like to participate, contact Yvette Finch, program coordinator, via e-mail at wefromupstreet@gmail.com.
