ST. THOMAS — Vernon Finch, the choir director of the Party Hardies Caroliers, jokingly recalls sending some individuals who showed up to practice for the Challenge of the Carols, in years past, straight to the “pantomime” section.
Simply, it meant recognizing those who could carry a tune better than others.
Thankfully, there’s a place for everyone at the annual gathering, which brings together community singers at Emancipation Garden at 6 a.m. on Christmas morning in a holiday ritual that celebrates belting out with a joyful spirit.
The Challenge, now in its 46th year, got started with a healthy dose of generational nostalgia and remembrance of old-time serenading that brightened streets and homes during the yuletide season in the Virgin…
