Lt. Governor Osbert Potter and 2015 St. John Food Fair Honoree Ruth Frett snip the ribbon to officially open the popular event held June 21 in Franklin Powell Park. Pictured, left to right: Potter, Festival Princess Sanijah Gris, Frett, Festival Queen Shanell Harney; (Second Row, L to R) Danielle Greenaway, St. John Administrator Camille Paris Jr., Senator-At-Large Almando “Rocky” Liburd.
CRUZ BAY — The bustle of vistors moving through the 2015 St. John Festival Food fair couldn’t be slowed by a burning sun.
The hungry and the thirsty set out in search of favorite dishes. The curious looked for novelties on plates, in chafing dishes and among the many vendors selling hand made crafts.
Several cooks said they worked through the night to please their customers. Bakers brought dumb bread, cakes and tarts. Cooks ladeled soup into containers and dug out go boxes for full entres. Frosty treats appeared in ice cream cones and gelato cups. Icy fraicos came over the counter in cone shaped paper cups. Adults sampled home made coquito from St. Croix.
Lt. Governor Osbert Potter presided over the opening ceremonies, honoring Ruth Frett. Frett said she didn’t have any specialty dish per se, but instead had a lifetime of collaboration in the kitchen with her family.
Her sister Esther said Ruth picked up the knack for making native fruit drinks from her mother and two siblings.
The honoree thanked the St. John Festival and Cultural Organization for naming the 2015 food fair in her honor. She asked those gathered for the ceremony to applaud the volunteers making up the festival committee.
The Rising Stars Pan Around the Neck Troupe added musical sparkle to the middle of the day near the Cruz Bay taxi stand, temporarily taken over by dozens of canopied tables laden with goodies. A flock of little moko jumbies from the Hibiscus Cultural Dancers frolicked in the street while smart phones captured the scene.
Festival Queen Shanell Harney and Princess Sanijah Gris received their crowns in a coronation ceremony held at the Powell Park bandstand.
