Cruz Bay was abuzz Sunday as residents and visitors from across the territory strolled along the waterfront to sample the best of the territory’s cooks and shop for crafts at the annual Food Fair.
“Sweet potato pudding, cassava pudding, banana fritters…” began St. Thomas resident Margaret Morris, ticking off a lengthy list of food for sale at her table.
Another St. Thomas resident, June Archibald, sold jams and jellies made of fruits she grows on her farm.
“Mango, pineapple, sorrel, sour sop, tomato,” she said, ticking off a list of tasty treats.
Maho Bay Camps was on hand to sell its objets d’art made of recycled glass.
“We’re trying to drum up more interest in things recycled,” Maho’s Megan Lister said.
Because Cruz Bay Park is under reconstruction, this year vendors set up shop on both sides of the waterfront road and along the street all the way to the post office. Festival Committee Chairman Leona Smith said that this configuration seemed to work even better than having it in the park.
This year’s Food Fair honored Joyce Sprauve. Taking her turn at the microphone, she said that her specialty was whelks as well as mango and gooseberry tarts.
“You need to try some of that,” she said.
Tracey Hopkins and her husband, Mark Hopkins, of Dallas were eyeing the food. They first attended Food Fair when they stayed at Caneel Bay Resort for their honeymoon. Twenty years later, they came back for their anniversary and for another visit to Food Fair.
“We love getting involved with local culture everywhere we go,” Tracey Hopkins said.
Doctor Yates came over from St. Croix for the event. Standing near the post office, he said that he liked the “rhythm of the people” who were also enjoying Food Fair.
“People were talking about it when I came over on the ferry,” he said.
Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis, on hand with his wife Cheryl, urged everyone to support the food vendors so they won’t have to take food home.
“You don’t have to cook tomorrow,” he said.
As usual, the St. John princess and queen received their crowns at Food Fair. St. John resident Ashyria Kelly was named princess at a pageant last weekend. St. Thomas resident Kinia Blyden took the queen’s top spot Saturday night.
“The important thing is that we learn about culture and pass on the knowledge to future generations,” Blyden said in her remarks.
