With February 2010 still in the distance, organizers of the 39th St. Croix Agriculture and Food Fair are urging the public not to let the holiday season pass without making their plans to attend this year’s fair. Vendors, farmers and exhibitors are reminded that display space is in high demand for the largest fair of its kind in the Caribbean. Those who wait until after Three Kings Day to pick up vendor applications or book their reservations sometimes find it difficult to get what they need, according to Stafford Crossman from UVI’s Cooperative Extension Service, St. Croix.
UVI-CES, along with the VI Department of Agriculture, the VI Department of Tourism and the VI Department of Health, play host to the fair, which is also known as Agrifest. More than 30,000 visitors are expected to take part. Agrifest 2010 is scheduled for Feb. 13-15 at the Department of Agriculture fairgrounds in Estate Lower Love. Visitors who travel from off island are reminded that overnight accommodations are also at a premium during Agrifest. “If you need accommodations, start getting them now. If you need transportation, start arranging for it now,” Crossman said. Organizers are still awaiting word from international exhibitors who make their appearance each year. Past participants have represented several island nations and territories including the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts-Nevis, Guyana, Antigua, St. Lucia and Dominica. Crossman says 2010 may see the entry of the Dominican Republic as the latest international exhibitor.
This year’s theme is Healthy Food and a Safe Environment Makes Sen$e. Meetings are currently being held to work out the details for staging the event. Corporate sponsors for Agrifest 2010 include HOVENSA, L.L.C., AARP- Virgin Islands, Innovative Communications Corp. and Diageo Holdings Netherlands, B.V.
