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Washington, D.C. — With this year marking 100 years for the United States Virgin Islands, The Virgin Islands Association, DC (VIA-DC) Board and members leaped out ahead of other Virgin Islands organization to be the first to host a USVI Centennial Commemorative Ball, honoring the 100 years transfer of the Danish West Indies to the United States, the group announced Tuesday. VIA-DC has successfully held an annual winter ball since January 2009, so aligning with the centennial event maximized the planning effort, the group said.

The ball united Virgin Islanders and guests from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV), all three territorial islands and several other states including, but not limited to, New York Texas, Florida, and Georgia. Predictably, the 2017 ball proved to be just as impressive and well-attended, VIA-DC said.

The evening commenced with a cocktail hour with delicious appetizers and open bar and entertainment from Steel Pannist Victor Provost, Shacomba’s Mocko Jumbies, and the Capitol Quadrille Dancers. As the evening progressed, Image Band provided live music and dancing. Each respective entertainment showcased cultural activities representing the US Virgin Islands. One of the most nostalgic experiences of the evening was the labeling of the dining tables, registration area, and reception hall for neighborhoods located on the three islands: Sion Farm, Campo Rico, La Grange, Whim, Mon Bi Jou, Grove Place, Water Gut, Hannah’s Rest, Kingshill and Anna’s Hope representing St. Croix; French Town, Mahogany Run, Polyberg, Redhook, Constant, Bournefield, Old Tutu and Bovoni, representing St. Thomas; Cruz Bay, Bethany, Bordeaux, Cesmanhill, Chocolate Hole, Caneel Bay, Pond Mouth, and Coral Bay representing St. John. Guests were enthralled as they made their way to their designated tables, VIA-DC said.

James Lloyd, former president and vice president of VIA-DC, was the master of ceremonies and officially opened the evening. The Howard University ROTC students were outstanding as they presented the colors, and Eldra Herold’s rousing rendition of the National Anthem and the Virgin Islands Anthem, ignited a room filled with cultural pride and appreciation for the celebration. VIA-DC introduced their newly elected 2017 officers and acknowledged the outgoing ones. Aligned with the purpose of scholarship and cultural awareness, President Diane Parrott introduced and crowned the 2017 USVI Cherry Blossom Princess, Alauna Martinez.

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett offered words of congratulations and remarks, while Senate President Myron D. Jackson, presented memoirs on US Virgin Islands Historical Perspective: Transfer Day, March 31, 1917. His historical presentation reminded each USVI native of the significance of 100 years. Randolph Bennett, former commissioner of the USVI’s Department of Property and Procurement, on behalf of USVI Governor Kenneth Mapp, offered remarks and encouragement. Former congresswoman, Donna Christensen was also in attendance.

The overall goal, to ensure every guest had a great time, was met, the group said. Ms. Parrott was pleased with the outcome.

“The Centennial Winter Ball 2017 was an extremely exciting, educational, and entertaining experience. From the steel pan music, mocko jumbies, quadrille dancers, calypso/reggae music, and historic presentations about Transfer Day, our history and Virgin Islands’ culture was alive and well in the DMV. Everyone looked absolutely amazing and had a great time,” she said.

The 2017 VIA-DC Centennial Winter Ball was truly “An Evening to Remember,” the group said. Thanks to sponsorship from Cardow, VIA-DC raffled a special Centennial Cardow VI watch as the first place prize and a second Cardow watch as the second place prize. Thanks to the Gateway Westin, VIA-DC offered two weekend stays at the Gateway Westin. Thanks to sponsorship from the VI Department of Tourism, guests received a beautiful gift bag filled with commemorative Centennial items that VIA-DC was able to special-order.

VIA-DC also thanked the members, guests and supporters for making its Centennial Winter Ball 2017 a tremendous success and for making it possible to provide scholarships to graduating seniors. And it thanked sponsors Beam, Department of Tourism, Department of Property and Procurement, Cardow and the Westin Gateway, and all of its patrons and booklet sponsors.

VIA-DC is a 501(c) (4) Washington DC non-profit organization, dedicated to Virgin Islanders and to education as the founder of the Robert Finch Scholarship Fund for Virgin Islands college-bound high school students.