St. George?s came alive on December 2 as thousands of people spent their Friday night in the town for the National Trust?s Walkabout.

It was a splendid celebration of Bermuda?s Quincentennial to be remembered for many years to come.

The St. George?s Foundation extended a helping hand to the Trust by inviting people to join them at their beautifully restored World Heritage Centre. It was formerly known as the ?Queen?s Warehouse? and has been beautifully restored. They served holiday refreshments and delicious goodies.

As darkness fell, candlelight flickered. Harmony and laughter danced in the air. In fact, with children singing and all the talented musicians playing, it was almost like the town was a theatre with thousands of approving guests gathered around.

It was very charming the way the many different places of interest had musicians playing in historic homes and gardens.

The gracious old homes, churches and buildings which qualify St. George?s as a World Heritage Site stood proudly welcoming many guests who looked on in awe.

A special note of appreciation goes to all the garden clubs who adorned the tour places with beautiful floral arrangements.

A few of the many belles of the ball included: The ancient State House, built between October 1620 and April 1621, and restored this year, he 18th Century Tucker House on Water Street. Another jewel was ?The Old Rectory?, circa 1699, behind St. Peter?s Church, an old star, yet a newcomer was ?Stewart Hall? and gardens circa 1720, on Queen Street. It is now the home of the Bermuda Perfumery.

Steve Conway, director of the National Trust said: ?The 18th Century buildings come into their own when they are candlelit and decorated to enhance the Christmastime atmosphere of the World Heritage Site.

?So many people like to come out to explore new places, enjoy the entertainment and just bump into old friends and be part of the start of the Christmas season.?

There were swarms of interested people happily rambling about St. George?s and Mr. Conway confirmed: ?We estimated that there were about 2,000 - 3,000 people ... most venues were really busy and reported more visitors than normal.

?We also had more school groups performing so they attract parents as well.

?It is very difficult to accurately count, but the general consensus was that we had more than in recent years ... the weather played a good part in attracting people,? said Mr. Conway.

Mayor E. Michael Jones, the Corporation, citizens, businesses, students, volunteers, and the musicians work together diligently to make the old town glow. Not only did it glow but it sparkled too.

?Our walkabout in St George?s lets everyone appreciate it, both as a World Heritage Site and as a living working historic town, not just a relic of the past,? Mr. Conway said.

?The event is about people as well as places and we could not do it without the huge volunteer support from schools, performers, businesses, organisations, floral decorators, home owners, tenants and people who donate refreshments.

?It is truly a major community effort from all for a one night event. We want to thank all who came out to help,? he said.