PRESS RELEASE

ATTENTION ARTS & LEISURE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MONGOOSE JUNCTION KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

WITH A $1000 HOLIDAY SHOPPING SPREE RAFFLE

DURING EVENING IN THE COURTYARD

CRUZ BAY, St. John, Virgin Islands, November 8, 2012 - Start the holiday season with a special shopping event that could make you the proud winner of a $1000 shopping spree! Mongoose Junction’s annual “Evening in the Courtyard” will be held Friday,November 23, 2012 from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm and is packed with special events for an evening of fun and shopping. It is a great opportunity to do your Christmas shopping because for every purchase at any Mongoose retailer or restaurant you will receive a raffle ticket. The more you shop, the more tickets you receive, and the greater your chance to win the drawing. The ONLY way to win is to make purchases at stores or restaurants. The drawing will be held at 9:15 pm and you must be present to win.

In addition to the raffle and great shopping, many Mongoose shops will also feature activities and presentations for the evening.

Friends of the VINP Storewill be featuring Steve Simonsen, prominent local photographer, for a "meet the artist" book and calendar signing and will be showcasing some of his additional photo prints. They will also be offering a 10% discount storewide and Members receive an additional 10% discount.

Bajo el Solwill be having an opening reception for Caroline Rogers. She will be displaying new photographs, as well as signing copies of her two books. David Laabs will be playing classical guitar music.

Best of Both Worlds will be showcasing new artwork as well as hosting a wine tasting.

Caravan Gallery will be introducing the Alchemia, "zero karat gold" jewelry line, the contemporary affordable alternative.

In honor of their 40th anniversary, R&I Patton Goldsmithing will be raffling a 0.18ct Pink Sapphire set with 0.12ctw diamond in 18k white gold as a pendant on a 14k white gold 16” chain (valued at $987) at 8:15 pm. Shoppers can sign up for the raffle in the store and must be present to win.

Fashion lovers will be thrilled to see Bougainvillea’s beautiful new Holiday dresses and accessories and will receive a free gift with any purchase over $25.

Check out Just Beach’s new collection of special island t-shirts. All day Friday receive 25% off on St. John Tees.

Stop by and taste some local jams, condiments, and hot sauces at Island Fancy.

Be sure to head to the Fabric Mill for a glass of bubbly to help celebrate their 30th year in business at Mongoose! Make a $20 minimum purchase throughout the day and be eligible for their $200 Gift Certificate raffle prize drawing.

Spend $25 at St. John Brewers Brewtiqueand get a free pint glass. Spend $100 and get a free T-shirt.

Sugarbirds will be giving a free gift with any purchase over $20. Stop in to see their large selection of Holiday and Greeting cards.

The Event kicks off at5:30 pm with an impressive drumming performance by Eddie Bruce and his music students from Gift Hill School. Bamboula will host a Fashion Show at 6 pm in the courtyard of Mongoose 2, created and directed by Liz Putnam and featuring a bevy of local models, as well as jewelry from Caravan Gallery and clothing from Bougainvillea.

Sun Dog Café will be serving fabulous free finger food samples from their Party Menu at the Gecko Gazebo Bar from 5:30 on. Ocean Grill will also be offering a drink special during the evening. And be sure to stop by the Tap Room to try their new burger or cheese plate.

For more information, please contact Michelle Fage at 310 968.3789 or by e-mail at