We’re finally here! Though the trip was mostly uneventful, we were beyond exhausted when we arrived on the cay – probably some combination of sleep deprivation and dehydration from the travel and the unseasonable humidity we met upon arrival.
Whatever the cause, our first week here involved much hibernation and goofing off — though we did venture out for a few evening walks to take in Green Turtle Cay’s Festival of Lights.
Launched in 2009 by local residents James and Marilyn Saunders, the festival celebrates the charming New Plymouth settlement and promotes tourism during the Christmas season. Today, the Festival of Lights committee includes chairperson Frances McIntosh, Ruth Jones, Patricia McIntosh, Jan Russell, Tina Sawyer, Michelle Pinder, Breanna Pinder, Donnie Outten, Roddie Sawyer, Steven Thompson, Craig Russell, Jonathan Curry and Joel Reckley.
The Festival of Lights runs from the end of November until the New Year and encompasses a number of different events, such as a community fun night when the displays are first illuminated, a torchlight procession in which local kids parade through town with hand-made lanterns, a golf cart parade with prizes for the most creatively decorated vehicles, and of course, the arrival of Santa.
Though most of this year’s scheduled festival events took place before we arrived on the cay, we got here in time to enjoy the light displays. Private homes and yards, lamp posts, streets and other public spaces were adorned in colourful decorations, and Settlement Creek sparkled with vivid reflections. Many, many thanks to Frances and the Festival of Lights committee and all New Plymouth residents for their efforts in lighting up the town. What an enchanting way to showcase Green Turtle Cay over the holidays. P.S. Frances McIntosh tells me that the committee is already welcoming cash contributions and/or lights and decorations for the 2015 festival. To learn more about the Festival of Lights or to contribute to future displays, visit their website or Facebook page.
WHAT A WONDERFUL ADDITION TO GREEN TURTLE CAY ATTRACTIONS. AND WE ARE NOT SURPRISED IN THE LEAST THAT THE FOUNDERS OF FESTIVAL,OF LIGHTS ARE JAMES AND MARILYN SAUNDERS. EXCEPT FOR 2 MONTHS OF ONE WINTER, WE SPENT 7 MONTHS OF 7 YEARS ( 1997 – 2005 ) ON GTC ON OUR BOAT …SO IN REALITY GTC WAS OUR HOME FOR THOSE YEARS. WE APPRECIATED THE LOCAL POPULACE AND BECAME ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY (ESPECIALLY PHYLLIS) WE ARE KEPT UTD BY OUR FRIENDS PETER AND LESLIE JARRET , AND ENJOY SEEING THE DAILY POSTINGS , WONDERFUL PHOTOGRAPHS AND STORIES BY LITTLE HOUSE BY THE FERRY.
THANK YOU, PHYLLIS AND LARRY LIVESEY, S/V JAZZBREK KINGSTON , ONT.
This was my 1st GTC visit during the holidays. I was so impressed by how beautiful the town looked! What an awesome effort by the community! Congrats to Fanny & all the hard working committee members, you did a great job, & it is much appreciated
Oh, it was also such fun to see you, Tom, & Wrigley again, & tour Fish Hooks!
Linda, it was great to see you as well!!! See you again in May.
We’ll be at House on the Point- come for some shelling & bring the baby for a romp!
Sandy and Jack Lynch, Weidman,Michigan: we’ve been coming 4-6 weeks for nearly 25 years but never over the holidays–it was a real treat to see GTC all lit up! We’re coming next Tuesday and can hardly wait! We love Green Turtle and it’s community–folks like Ronnie and family and Fanny and Marilyn, etc, etc, etc!!!