Virgin Islanders have twice as much to celebrate this weekend as most Americans do. On July 3, 1848, slaves marched for and won their freedom at Fort Frederick, which was then under Danish rule. It was two decades before the United States abolished slavery.
And, as most people know, on July 4, 1776, the United States declared its independence from England.
After a day of solemn commemoration at Buddhoe Park on Friday for Emancipation Day, people started to trickle back into town before sunset Saturday to hear live music and support local vendors before the annual fireworks show, hosted by the Frederiksted Economic Development Association.
“The mission is to bring economic activity to Frederiksted and this is doing it,” said Melody Rames, spokesperson for FEDA.
The aroma of freshly cooked food floated through the air and people swayed to the music of Fyah Train. After the light show, R & B Connection and Sweet Life entertained until 1 a.m.
The street fair included food, drinks, gifts, local soaps and toys. FEDA had a beverage stand set up and, according to cashier Claire Roker, business was as good as any other year.
Outside of town, starting in the morning, residents flocked to the westend beaches to wait for fireworks to blaze across the night sky. It was standing room only at Dorsch Beach, with cars parked on the side roads and packed along Veterans’ Highway.
For the last several years, for one reason or another, St. Croix residents have wondered until the last minute whether or not there would be a pyrotechnic display as the grand finale to the July 4th celebration. Again, this year, there was a problem. The boat scheduled to transport the fireworks from Puerto Rico broke down, but repairs were made in time to stay on schedule, Rames said.
From Strand Street, a St. Croix Fire Department’s hook and ladder truck could be seen cruising onto the Ann Abramson Pier minutes before 8 p.m. Then it parked ready for action.
At that point, people knew there would be a show and they were not disappointed. For the next 20 minutes the sky was filled with dazzling color and bright lights, reflecting off the Caribbean. Sighs of “ah” were heard up and down the coast.
At the end, many residents quietly packed up and went home while others stayed to celebrate.
