The Pink Ladies, who have been bringing their annual Christmas bazaar to the people of Cayman for more than 30 years, held their festive tea party again on Saturday, in what many consider the official launch of the festive season.

Some attendees came for the bargains and others for the entertainment at the bazaar, which was held at the Arts and Recreation Centre in Camana Bay. The National Choir opened with Christmas carols, and Miss Jackie’s ballerinas followed with a twirl and a smile, as did the YMCA dance group.

Purple Dragon students demonstrated their martial arts moves and the Cayman Prep High School Swing band swung into action with Christmas music, after which Kate Allenger played violin while her daughter Melanie sang carols.

Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps director Faye Lippitt said the Pink Ladies’ craft group works all year to make Christmas crafts, while other members make the cakes, jams and jellies at the Country Kitchen, and the squares, sandwiches and cookies at the tea table. “Once again this year, the governor’s kitchen made the mince tarts that are first to disappear,” she said.

The Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps gives all profits from the day to charities on the island. The group also provides the opportunity for charities raise funds and be seen. On hand were representatives from NCVO, Jasmine (formerly Cayman HospiceCare), the YMCA, the Humane Society, Acts of Random Kindness – who brought Santa – and the Garden Club, which had a big plant sale outside.

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“Since the Pink Ladies Coffee Shop at the Cayman Islands Hospital closed, the group relies on the annual bazaar for its major source of income. For 30 years, tickets have been $5 for all the events and tea, and there they remain so that everyone can afford to come and celebrate together with their friends and neighbors,” Ms. Lippitt said.

Santa poses with some of the Pink Ladies.
Young attendees show off their face painting and henna tattoos.

She added, “Without the help of major donations from their sponsors, the income from the Christmas Bazaar would be shortened considerably. Organizations such as Dart, who is [the] major sponsor, as well as many others on the island, have been more than kind by helping to make the Pink Ladies Christmas Bazaar a success.”