2021 Crucian Coconut Festival

2021 Crucian Coconut Festival

Nov 16, 2021 | Community Events

Coconut lovers rejoice! The annual Crucian Coconut Festival is back from its pandemic hiatus to resume its mission to reignite St. Croix’s economy with the help of coconuts. Since its inception in 2015 by St. Croix Farmers in Action, the cultural display of this cherished Caribbean fruit has been a fun-filled family event complete with educational presentations, cooking demos, activities, games and live local music. Coconuts are one of the few fruits that create a wide assortment of byproducts that are used and enjoyed by people worldwide.

Ms. Yvette Ross, Director for Coconut Festival Committee, shared her excitement of the return of Crucian Coconut Festival. “It’s such a relief to know that we will be able to host Crucian Coconut Festival in 2021,” said Ross. “This year, we are expanding the live entertainment and introducing a fine art exhibit on the days leading up to the festival.” The art exhibit will feature artists from across the Virgin Islands, including woodworkers, painters and steel sculpture artists displaying their works.

This year’s festival will look a bit different due to challenges of COVID-19. For example, a crowd favorite of the festival is the coconut jelly scooping contest. Historically, participants stood shoulder to shoulder racing the clock to determine who could scoop out jelly from coconut husks the fastest. This year will still be based on speed, but participants will be timed individually. Whoever has the fastest time among all the participants will be declared the winner.

Several vendors will be in attendance selling coconut inspired crafts, local foods and treats. The on-site greenhouse will host aquaponic tours that show how produce is grown using this fish powered food production system. There will also be a host of interactive educational presentations about the coconut as well as a family activity center where craft baskets and bags filled with coconut learning activities are given to families to take home. Ross shared her hope for this year’s attendees of the Crucian Coconut Festival. “I want everyone to leave the festival with a greater appreciation for the coconut.” She expressed that the coconut is more than an economical tool; “it can improve your health and offer entrepreneurial opportunities.”

The Crucian Coconut Festival will take place on Sunday, December 5th from 11am to 6pm at Estate Bethlehem Sugar Factory; $10 entry fee for all attendees. The art exhibit, also taking place at Estate Bethlehem Sugar Factory, opens to the public on Friday, December 3rd. From 4pm to 9pm, enjoy live music from the Eddie Russell Band; $25 entry fee for the opening night. The exhibit will also be open on Saturday, December 4th from 10am to 3pm. Vaccination or proof of negative test within 3 days is required to attend all events. For more information, call 340.690.1389.

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

#stcroix #USVI #Caribbean #coconut #coconutfestival #celebration #festival #food #foodies

Fireworks Show in St Croix in July

Fireworks Show in St Croix in July

Jun 29, 2021 | Community Events

In the USVI, we commemorate two important historical events marking freedom — Emancipation Day and Independence Day. Virgin Islanders commemorate July 3, 1848, the emancipation of enslaved people in the territory. VI Emancipation Day on July 3rd every year is a time when the community celebrates with a series of activities that recognize the courage of those ancestors of 1848.

Independence day on the 4th of July is also celebrated on St. Croix and normally includes a beautiful fireworks display in Frederiksted after sunset, along with music and a carnival atmosphere. We are excited to hear that the Frederiksted Economic Development Association once again is organizing fireworks show for the community. This is a FREE, family-friendly event will take place on July 4th at the Frederiksted Pier. Masks and social distancing required. For details and a list of the sponsors, read more at GoToStCroix.com.

To read more about VI Emancipation Day, read more here.

Virtual Christmas Festival in St Croix

Virtual Christmas Festival in St Croix

Dec 15, 2020 | Community Events

Every year we look forward to the spectacular St Croix Christmas Festival. Although this year, the festivities will be virtual, we can tune in to the amazing showcases organized by the St Croix Division of Festivals in collaboration with the Crucian Cultural Group. From December 11 through January 6, the Crucian Christmas Festival will spotlight Crucian music, culture and pageantry. Read more here and on http://www.usvifestivals.vi/.

USVI Folktore Livestream Presented by AARP of VI

USVI Folktore Livestream Presented by AARP of VI

May 18, 2020 | Community Events

AARP in the Virgin Islands is offering a livestreamed series via the AARP Virgin Islands Facebook Page as a Facebook Live event. The series started on Tuesday, May 5, and will continue every Tuesday, thereafter, for five weeks; May 12, 19, 26 and June 2 at 6 p.m. each day. The events will feature traditional folklore told by five recognized storytellers from the Virgin Islands, telling stories of yesteryear. This series is a collaboration with the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts. To read the full story on the St. Croix Source click here.

STX Orchid Show 2020 Interview

STX Orchid Show 2020 Interview

Mar 6, 2020 | Community Events

We attended the annual St Croix Orchid Show in February and had the chance to chat with the St. Croix Orchid Society President, Susan Kraeger. Susan spoke to us about embarking on a new project with the Herbarium, DPNR and other organizations in which the Orchid Society will help collect and catalogue endangered Orchid species on island. To hear what Susan has to say, see our interview below.