Christmas comes to life at annual Courts tree-lighting

Courts brought Christmas to life last evening at its annual concert and tree lighting ceremony, where it doled out $1M to a customer who was the latest winner of its ‘Stash of Cash’ promotion.

Santa had a few extra helpers this year, including Mrs Claus, Mickey Mouse, Mini Mouse, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, who made an entrance at last evening’s Courts Christmas tree lighting and concert to the thrill of the rows of children who gathered. (Photo by Jules Gibson)
Santa had a few extra helpers this year, including Mrs Claus, Mickey Mouse, Mini Mouse, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, who made an entrance at last evening’s Courts Christmas tree lighting and concert to the thrill of the rows of children who gathered. (Photo by Jules Gibson)

The ceremony, held under the theme “Christmas comes to life with Courts,” saw Main Street packed with eager children accompanied by their parents even before the 5 pm start as everyone tried to find the best spot to enjoy the show. The affair juggled traditions of the festive season, like Santa Claus and friends, along with some non-traditional features, like leather clad girls atop big bikes and a hummer and the late ‘King of Pop.’

The concert’s late start was forgotten after its opening act which was a stirring rendition of the national song by a quartet of young men who called themselves Y3K. This was shortly followed by another moving musical rendition by the Bishops’ High School Choir who brought Christmas further to life.

As the evening began to darken the skies up above, the crowd was thrilled with the electric entrance of the ‘Stash of Cash’ team as the leather clad girls with briefcases loaded with money rode in on super bikes while the winner and Courts Bond rolled up in a sleek black Hummer that attracted “Oohs” and “Ahs.” The winner, Colin Lovell, was later asked to pick a case, which he stuck to until the end. Getting involved in the game was Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad and Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir along with the Prime Minister Sam Hinds, who each picked cases that contained $2M, $1.2M and another $2M prize, respectively.

Winner of the Stash of Cash 3 Promotion, Collin Lovell (at right) collects his $1M cheque from Courts country manager Lester Alvis. Lovell’s chosen case is seen in the middle. (Photo by Jules Gibson)
Winner of the Stash of Cash 3 Promotion, Collin Lovell (at right) collects his $1M cheque from Courts country manager Lester Alvis. Lovell’s chosen case is seen in the middle. (Photo by Jules Gibson)

Lovell eventually ended up winning $1M and said he felt “very good” upon receiving his cheque from Courts country manager Lester Alvis. Alvis, in his address, said that the company uses the festive season to thank its customers. He said that Courts’ mission is to bring value to the customer and their home.

“We want to be there for you,” he added. Alvis said that the Courts has achieved many of its objectives for this year and this he said is based on the statistics from research that was conducted.
Alvis also highlighted many of the community care projects such as feeding and literacy programmes and reiterated that Courts plans to do more of these.

Alvis, in closing, thanked his staff and extended season’s greeting to all. Meanwhile Prime Minister Hinds, in the feature address, said that he wished children of today the very best so they can recall years from now a great 2009 Christmas.

Finally, the event everyone gathered in front of Main Street for, the tree lighting arrived after a comical dance performance by the X-Factor dance group and a surprise appearance by Michael Jackson that had fans screaming as he moon-walked across the stage.

Jeffery Simone, long time patron of the Courts store, was given the honour of turning on the lights in the trees.

After a countdown and ear shattering screaming, the lights failed to come on. One a second try and another round of screaming saw the illumination of the Main Street Avenue.
The tree-lighting cued the entrance of a slightly raunchy Santa, who could not keep his hands off Mrs Claus and his friends, Mickey and Mini Mouse, Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants.