2022 St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade

Dec 1, 2022 | Community Events

Back for the first time since 2019, the St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade is ready to light up the Christiansted Harbor once again with holiday cheer! This holiday tradition started back in 1994 as the local boating community’s gesture thanking the St. Croix people for the use of the beautiful waters surrounding the island. Nearly two decades later, what began with four to twelve boats decorated with lights has grown into one of the largest attended events on St. Croix and the largest boat parade in the Caribbean. Additionally, St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade, Inc. was established in 2011 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Their goal with the parade is to bring the people of St. Croix together to celebrate the start of the Christmas season and to support charitable children’s organizations to help with educational needs and more.

Starting around 6pm after sundown, Christmas themed boats light up the Christiansted Harbor for the crowds gathered along the boardwalk to see. Over 25 boats and vessels of varying sizes join in on the festivities competing in categories such as “Best Lighting,” “Best Music” and “Best Animation.” The fun starts long before the parade begins with a flurry of holiday merriment. From 1pm, attendees are enticed to come into downtown Christiansted for holiday shopping and live music. Mocko Jumbies parade through the streets greeting holiday shoppers, Santa Clause comes in on a dinghy to greet the crowd and share candy canes, street vendors are cooking up local Crucian flavors to tantalize your tastebuds and live music from local artists, bands and steel pan orchestras keep the energy at an all-time high.

The St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade will take place on Saturday, December 10th. The parade begins at 6pm after sundown and will culminate with a grand finale that lights up the sky with spectacular fireworks. For more information, visit the St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade Facebook page at www.facebook.com/STXBoatParade.

Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

#stcroix #virginislands #usvi #crucianchristmas #caribbeanfestival #christmas #community #boatparade #christmasparade

“Buck to Buc” – Annual Coral Reef Swim Race

Oct 31, 2022 | Community Events

Swimmers near and far, beginners, amateurs or professionals, the 26th Annual Coral Reef Swim Race in beautiful and sunny St. Croix is waiting just for you! On Sunday, November 13th, one-mile, two-mile and five-mile race distances are being offered in the Coral Reef Swim Race for swimmers ready to make their way through St. Croix’s crystal-clear waters. Often referred to as “Buck to Buc,” swimmers participating in the five-mile race start at Buck Island National Monument and finish the race at The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort’s Mermaid Beach. The shorter distances begin in alternate locations; however, all races end along Buccaneer’s palm-lined beach.

The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort has been the host hotel of the race since its inception in 1995. Founded in the 17th century and family-run for generations, The Buccaneer offers elegant accommodations, golf, tennis, three exquisite beaches, two freshwater pools, kids’ program, fine restaurants, water sports, spa, and fitness center on a 340-acre tropical estate. The resort owner, Elizabeth Armstrong, established the Coral Reef Swim Race with fellow swimmer Kim Sanford as a fundraiser for the East End Marine Park. The park was the first territorial marine park established to protect the natural and cultural resources of the east end of St. Croix. Discounted rates are available to participants through the resort’s Swim Race Package. A minimum three-night stay and proof of registration is required.

Participants ages 11 and up can choose an assisted swim with fins and snorkel starting at $90 per person for the 1-mile race. The two-mile and five-mile races are $130 and $150, respectively. To learn more about the race, visit the event website at www.swimrace.com. Those interested in registering for the race can sign up through the event website via Active.com.

Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

#stcroix #virginislands #usvi #swimrace #buccaneer #beach

Sejah Farm: VI Bush Cook Chef Cook 3-Day Event

Oct 20, 2022 | Community Events

Since 2016, Dale and Yvette Browne of Sejah Farm VI have organized a local food competition on St. Croix that focuses on bringing community awareness on local food availability in the territory. Bush Cook Chef Cook is where the island’s best and brightest chefs use their ingenuity to prepare unique dishes using locally grown crops and produce available to them. As an island with a 95% import rate, the ability to own, control and consume our food is how we ensure food sovereignty and security in the U.S Virgin Islands.

At 10am on Friday, October 21st, the three-day event kicks off with a free event featuring a host of family-friendly activities. Cooking workshops, elementary school cook-off, live music, farm tours and school supplies giveaway are a few of the activities to expect on Day 1. This day will also highlight ways to bridge the locally grown food gap between local farms and government assisted programs like SNAP & WIC. “We want the local food system to impact everyone,” said Yvette. “Oftentimes, families in these programs are unable to afford the best of the produce and crops available in the stores where they typically shop, and we want to change that for them.”

The main event takes place on Day 2. This all-day cooking challenge is where trained chefs and home cooks compete by preparing dishes using only locally grown ingredients and traditional cooking methods such as the coal pot, three stone setting or the pit oven. The cooking starts from 7am with food samples available from 1pm for attendees. Tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for children 6-12 years old and those under the age of 6 are free. Live music will be provided by DJs alongside the popular Cool Sessions Brass plus enjoy a spirited performance from Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies. For the final day, attendees will experience an expertly prepared farm-totable dinner complete with five courses. The most formal event of the weekend, this dinner will be a collaboration prepared by the Bush Cook Chef Cook participants. Attendees are welcome to bring their own bottles of wine, spirits and beer to enhance their farm-totable dinner experience. Two dinner times available – 5pm and 8pm. Advanced reservations are required due to limited seat availability. Tickets are $70 for adults and $30 for children.

Bush Cook Chef Cook takes place from Friday, October 21st through Sunday, October 23rd at Sejah Farm located at 9B Estate Castle Burke in Frederiksted. Tickets are available online at Eventbrite or at Sejah Farm. For more information, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sejahfarmvi.

Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

#farm #cookoff #cooking #culinaryarts #chefs #localfoods #stcroix #virginislands #foodie

AgriFest Food Fair Returns in 2022

May 18, 2022 | Community Events

2022 marks the long-awaited return of St. Croix’s ever popular Agriculture and Food Fair, also known as Agrifest. Since 1971, this three-day agricultural festival has attracted attendees from all over the world to the island to taste, touch and feel everything rooted in agriculture from locally grown fruits and vegetables to livestock, arts and crafts and local cuisine. From May 28th to May 30th, attendees will flock to the Rudolph Shulterbrandt Agricultural Complex in Estate Lower Love to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this cultural exposition that shines a light on this cherished source of livelihood on St. Croix – agriculture.

Historically, AgriFest is held each year in February over President’s Day weekend. Due to the ongoing uncertainties courtesy of the global pandemic, the event was postponed to May 2022 over Memorial Day weekend.

A few highlights experienced at St. Croix’s AgriFest is centered around the four F’s: food, fun, family and friends. Once you enter through the gates at the fairgrounds, the limitless sights and smells of St. Croix warmly greet you. The main exhibition hall on the west side of the fairgrounds is where the farmers market is held. There, attendees will encounter an assortment of fruits, vegetables, spices, and a variety of plants on display and for sale. Several exhibits sponsored by local schools, youth groups, the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, and the US Department of Agriculture can also be found on display.

There are lots of fun activities on hand for Agrifestgoers. Stop in at the livestock exhibits featuring animals such as goats, chickens, rabbits and peacocks. Visit the petting zoo, ride a donkey or hop on one of the carnival rides with the little ones for an extra dose of fun. Enjoy the melodic tunes from local musicians performing throughout the day and visit several informational booths throughout the fairgrounds where attendees can learn about a variety of agriculture-focused topics.

“This is a true Virgin Islands reunion,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture Commissioner Positive T.A. Nelson. “This is where you see it all – our traditions, our food, and our people.” Get your fill of local delicacies like kalalloo, red peas soup, roast pork and salmon balls and wash it down with a tall glass of sorrel, limeade, ginger beer, peanut punch or passion fruit juice. Come out and celebrate the 50th annual VI Agrifest from May 28th to May 30th. Admission is $6 Adults, $5 Seniors, $4 Kids 12 and under. Passes for all three days are available for $12 Adults, $10 Seniors, $8 Kids 12 and under.

Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

Photo from https://viagrifest.org/

#foodfair #stcroix #stcroixusvi #caribbean #agrifest #agrifest2022 #community #food #virginislands #agriculture

Orchid Show & Sale: A Crucian Orchid Jubilee!

Feb 25, 2022 | Community Events

Mark your calendar! The St Croix Orchid Society is having their 50th Annual Orchid Show & Sale from March 25 through 27. The event was previously postponed and we are excited to see it coming back in late March. Christie has been growing orchids (photo above) in our home and she is really looking forward to this event. We went in 2020 and enjoyed it very much, which you can see our video below.

The Orchid Show and Sale will be held at the St. George Botanical Garden in the Great Hall. There will be hundreds of orchids on display, raffles, and orchids for sale. If you would like to join the Orchid Society’s Facebook Group, click here and request to join the private group. For their public page, click here.

#orchids #stcroixorchidsociety #americanorchidsociety #nature #flowers #caribbean #orchidsale #growers

Beauty and the Beast Triathlon 2021

Nov 16, 2021 | Community Events

The race is on in America’s Paradise! St. Croix is home to one of the longest-running triathlons on record. Since 1988, St. Croix’s previous races such as “America’s Paradise Triathlon” and “IRONMAN 70.3® St. Croix” have been considered must-do events for triathletes worldwide. On November 28, 2021, athletes from around the world will descend onto the stunning shores of St. Croix to compete in the 2021 Beauty & the Beast Triathlon.

This year’s triathlon is led by USAT Certified race directors Scott Fricks and Theresa Harper. The race has partnered with the Virgin Islands Triathlon Federation, a local nonprofit organization committed to improving the triathlon training and racing experience in the Virgin Islands while giving back to the community. Each year, the committee designates local charities that will receive donations from the race proceeds.

The event name is the perfect description of the triathlon course. The “Beauty” can be seen in two parts – the swim in warm, pristine ocean waters and a scenic run route. On the other hand, the “Beast” is in the climb on the bike route. While the rolling picturesque ride rewards triathletes with breathtaking ocean views, a 0.7-mile ascent at 26 percent grade is its own monster for a host of different reasons.

At 6:45am, athletes line up at the start of the course in the heart of historic downtown Christiansted. A spirited swim in the harbor transitions to a demanding bike ride and culminates with the run that travels east from Christiansted. Residents, volunteers and visitors are always on hand along the course to cheer on competing athletes, providing them with water, snacks and other items to keep them fueled throughout the race. Due to the pandemic and construction at the prior location, this year’s course will experience a slight change. The race will begin at Cramer Park on St Croix’s East End and the course will primarily stay on the East End of the island. While the world-famous Beast will be missing from this year’s bike, the infamous hills of St Croix’s East End will still offer a “beast” of a challenge to participants.

There are three race events athletes can choose from: Olympic-Distance Triathlon, Sprint-Distance Triathlon and a Sprint-Distance Aquathlon with relays offered in the Olympic and Sprint Triathlon races. For more information about this year’s race, visit www.stxtriathlon.com.

Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

#stcroix #USVI #Caribbean #triathlon #athlete #swim #bike #run #paradisetriathlon #sport