NELSONS DOCKYARD NATIONAL PARK

The annual Nelson’s Dockyard Champagne Party has, so says organizer Hans Smit, been described as “the fifth best Christmas party in the World”.

That’s pretty cool, right?

It certainly sounds like one of the most fun places to be, on one of the most festive days of the year, Christmas Day; and it’s all for a worthy cause…well, several worthy causes. All proceeds benefit the Hourglass Foundation which in turn assists other charitable projects. Started by Goldsmitty owner, Smit, in 1993, the Hourglass Foundation was instrumental in setting up the Crossroads rehabilitation centre, and has financially assisted Amazing Grace, Hero House, Women Against Rape [WAR] and others. In 2011, it’s expected to extend its good graces to the St. John’s Hospice and the Boys’ Training School. The Christmas party is the Foundation’s major fundraiser and, says Smit, “It’s getting bigger every year.”

How big?

Think up to 500 bottles of champagne sold in a single day. Think people (and canines) dressed up in the colours and symbols of the season, toting picnic baskets and making a day of it, dancing and having a fine time, in the unique historic and maritime environment of the Dockyard as music – High Tempa and, possibly, the Methodist Church Steel Orchestra – plays. Think, for those miles away from home, having too much fun to be homesick. Think, for those based on island, a perfect outing after all the familial bonding. “It’s a very, very festive day in the Dockyard,” Smit says, noting that in spite of how big it’s grown, it remains a simple idea – “we just put up a tent and there is this dinghy filled with ice” and, of course, a lot of hard work.

The party begins just before noon and continues ‘til the last partier leaves. All are welcomed with a small $5 admission to assist with clean up costs. Don’t worry, the dinghy – restocked throughout the day – never runs dry.

See you there.