| January 1999 JANUARY 1
NEW YEAR'S DAY. A Public Holiday.
JANUARY 1
NEW YEAR'S DAY JUNKANOO
PARADE [The Islands Of The Bahamas] On Bay Street,
downtown Nassau, starting at 1:00 a.m., Junkanoo, a
kaleidoscope of sound and spectacle (a bit of Mardi Gras,
Mummer's Parade and ancient African tribal ritual) takes
place. Revellers, dressed in colorful costumes of crepe
paper, parade through the streets to the sounds of
cowbells, goatskin drums, whistles, horns and other
homemade instruments. Prize-giving is at 8:00 a.m. The
parade is a repeat of the Boxing Day Parade, held
December 26 past. On this occasion, costumes and themes
are different from Boxing Day. For more information,
contact Rev. Philip McPhee at the Ministry of Youth,
Sports & Culture at telephone (242) 394-0445; fax:
(242) 394-5920. For bleacher tickets, ask for Vola
Francis. Parades are also held on Grand Bahama Island and
most of the other major Islands Of The Bahamas -- times
vary.
JANUARY 1
STANIEL CAY NEW YEAR'S DAY CRUISING
REGATTA [Exuma] Visiting
yachtsmen cruising The Exuma Cays test the speed of their
craft in a competition for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. Events commenced from December 30, culminating in the race on Jan 1, followed by an Awards and Pig Roast ceremony. For
more information, contact Mr. Don Rolle at telephone (242) 355-2060/2032 or the Exuma Tourist Office,
George Town, telephone (242) 336-2430; fax (242)
336-2431.
JANUARY 1 - 2
ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S DAY SAILING
REGATTA [Nassau/Paradise
Island] Thirty to 40 locally built sailing sloops, ranging from 17' to 28', converge off Montagu Bay in a battle for championship. A continuation from the Christmas Regatta held December 25 & 26, 1997. Organised by the Bahamas Boat Owners Association. A spectator boat is available for a close-up view of races. Location: Montagu Bay. For more information, contact Rev. Philip McPhee at the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture at telephone (242) 394-0445; fax: (242) 394-5920.
JANUARY 1
THE POLAR BEAR SWIM [Nassau/Paradise
Island] Each New Year’s, a fun time, with beach
party and a customary (snowbirds) swim in the sea amongst
giant ice cubes (Brrrr!). Location: Beach behind Rock ‘N’
Roll Cafe, Cable Beach. Time: From 12:30 p.m. Cost: $25
members; $30 non-members -- includes food, drinks and a
tee shirt. Limited Open Bar. For more information,
contact Tom Muir of the Canadian Men’s Club at
telephone (242) 322-6504.
JANUARY 1 - 31
CENTRAL BANK ART EXHIBITION [Nassau/Paradise
Island] Exhibits by Bahamian artists on display during the month. Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Location: Central Bank Gallery, Trinity Place & Frederick Street, downtown Nassau. For further information, telephone Mary Fernander at (242) 322-2193 or Antonius Roberts at telephone (242) 327-7562; fax: 242-327-7649.
JANUARY 2
BIRD WALK [Grand Bahama Island]
Birdwatching enthusiasts can
enjoy a walk through this bird sanctuary. Location: Rand
Nature Centre. Time: The first Saturday of every month at
8:00 a.m. For further information, contact the Rand at
(242) 352-5438.
JANUARY 3 - 10
BIRDING AND ECOLOGY ADVENTURE [Andros]
In its second year, the week-long event includes daily birding excursions, lectures on bird habits and identification, and an opportunity to learn about the island's marine biology. Location: Small Hope Bay Lodge. For more information, telephone Dr. Mike Baltz at (573) 882-4854; fax: (573) 882-0123; email: C623359@SHOWME.MISSOURI.EDU
JANUARY 6 - 9
SECOND ANNUAL BAHAMAS WAHOO CHAMPIONSHIPS #3
[Abaco] The third of a series of four legs. Anglers take up the tough challenge to bait one of the fastest fish in the ocean, reaching speeds up to 70 m.p.h. Location: Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour. For further information call (800) 32-SPORT or (800) 468-4799.
JANUARY 8 - 10
BIMINI FISH FY FLY-IN [Bimini] Pilots have the opportunity to go deep-sea fishing and to catch and sample local fish. Hotel: Bimini Big Game Fishing Resort. For more information, contact the Bahamas Sports & Aviation Information Centre at 1-800-327-7678 or (305) 932-0051.
JANUARY 9
EIGHTH ANNUAL DANSA AWARDS [Nassau/Paradise Island] The Bahamian version of the Academy Awards, recognizing outstanding talent in theatre. A grand black-tie evening, featuring stellar entertainment. Time: TBD. Location: TBD. Tickets: TBD. For more information, call Gavin Collins at (242) 393-2437 or Claudette Allen at (242) 356-9777.
JANUARY 9
WENDY'S BRIDAL SHOW [Atlanta, GA]
JANUARY 10 - 16
TOURISM AWARENESS WEEK [Nassau/Paradise Island] A week of events is scheduled throughout the major Islands Of The Bahamas, with a church service, educational seminars conducted at schools on various aspects of the hospitality industry, art and essay competitions, etc. For more information, contact Renee Mayers at (242) 302-2025.
JANUARY 9 & 23
CHANGING OF THE GUARD CEREMONY [Nassau/Paradise Island] A tradition of pomp and pageantry marking the changing of the Guard at Government House. Time: 10:00 a.m. Location: Government House Grounds, Blue Hill Road, five minutes from downtown Nassau. Note: Dates are subject to change or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances. Telephone (242) 322-2020 to confirm date.
JANUARY 13
SUPREME COURT OPENING [Nassau/Paradise
Island] This picturesque ceremony opens the annual session of The Bahamas Supreme Court (second Wed. in Jan). The Chief Justice, dressed in ceremonial, traditional garb, inspects a Royal Bahamas Police Force Guard-of-Honour in front of the Supreme Court building in Parliament Square, downtown Nassau. The internationally renowned Bahamas Police Force Band provides the music. The ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m. For more information, call Mrs. Hepburn at (242) 356-9101.
JANUARY 13 - 15
DEMA [New Orleans, Louisiana]
JANUARY 14 - 16
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL BAHAMAS PRINCESS RESORT & CASINO
CRYSTAL PRO-AM GOLF TOURNAMENT [Grand
Bahama Island] One of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the Caribbean, drawing scores of international professional and amateur golf players to the Ruby and Emerald Golf Courses of the Bahamas Princess Resort & Casino. Teams are composed of one professional and three amateurs. For more information, contact Princess Sales Office or Golf Shop at (242) 352-9661; fax (242) 352-7142.
JANUARY 15 - 17
SEATTLE TRAVEL SHOW [Seattle, Washington]
JANUARY 17
FOURTH ANNUAL CACIQUE AWARDS [Nassau/Paradise
Island] An exciting gala awards ceremony, to honour those persons or companies that have displayed excellence in tourism-related jobs or have had a positive impact on The Islands Of The Bahamas' tourism industry. International awards will be presented in six categories. Location: Rain Forest Theatre, Nassau Marriott Resort & Crystal Palace Casino, Cable Beach. Time: 8:00 p.m. Cost: $50. For further information, telephone the Ministry of Tourism at (242) 302-2001; fax (242) 328-0945.
JANUARY 17 - 19
CHA MARKETPLACE [San Juan, Puerto Rico]
JANUARY 20 - 23
SECOND ANNUAL BAHAMAS WAHOO CHAMPIONSHIP #4
[Abaco Island] The final of a series of four legs. Anglers take up the tough challenge to bait one of the fastest fish in the ocean, reaching speeds up to 70 m.p.h. Location: Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina. For registration, call Treasure Cay Services at (800) 327-1584 (USA) or (242) 365-8578. An Awards Dinner to be held on February 10 at the Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables. For further information, call (954) 359-8099.
JANUARY 22 - 23
SECOND ANNUAL ABACO ART FESTIVAL
[Abaco Island] A collective showcase of works by artists throughout The Islands Of The Bahamas. Location: Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour. For more information, telephone Penny Turtle at (242) 367-2158. Travel packages available.
JANUARY 25
BAHAMAS GOLF FEDERATION AGM "COCA-COLA" OPEN TOURNAMENT [Nassau/Paradise
Island] A Coca-Cola event for amateurs. Format: Individual Open Medal. Location: South Ocean Golf Course. For further information, contact Pauline Curry of the Bahamas Golf Federation at telephone (242) 364-4992; fax (242) 323-8719.
JANUARY 27
ANNUAL EBONY FASHION FAIR [Nassau/Paradise
Island] Showcasing the latest collection of irresistible fashions by American and European designers. Time: 8:00 p.m. Location: SuperClubs Breezes, Cable Beach. Tickets are $35 and $50. Box Office open at Mademoiselle, Bay Street, Jan 15. Sponsored by the Pilot Club of Nassau. For more information, contact Alice Rolle of the Pilot Club of Nassau at telephone (242) 325-6006.
JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3
TENTH ANNUAL QUILT SHOW [Nassau/Paradise
Island] The 18-member Stepping Stone Quilters present original handmade quilts featuring Bahamian designs and fabrics. Quilts range from miniature to giant-size heirloom pieces. Pieces can be commissioned. Time: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Location: Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Frederick Street, downtown, Nassau. For more information, contact Marie Murray at (242) 393-1349.
JANUARY 28 - 30
YOGA RETREAT [Andros] Join in a week-long Yoga Retreat with Marcia Miller, a 20-year veteran of Yoga instruction. In addition to the daily three-hour yoga classes, participants can scuba dive, snorkel and enjoy walks. For more information, telephone Marcia Miller at (614) 252-0827; email: rwm@worldnet.at.net.
JANUARY 28 - 31
NATIONAL SPORTFISHING & OUTDOOR EXPO [Long Island, NY]
JANUARY 29
PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE TEA PARTY [Nassau/Paradise
Island] For a delightful afternoon of tea, entertainment and good company, join guests at Government House Ballroom between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. For reservations, contact the Social Hostess at your hotel or call the People-to-People Unit at the Ministry of Tourism, telephone (242) 326-5371, (242) 328-7810, (242) 356-0435-8; fax (242) 356-0434. Proper attire is required.
JANUARY 29
JUNIOR JUNKANOO PRESENTATION [Nassau/Paradise
Island] Winners of the Junior Junkanoo in December receive awards. Location: Sir Kendal G L Isaac Gym. Time: 1 p.m. For more information, contact the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture at (242) 356-2691/2.
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