ABOUT AGRIFEST

Billed as "AGRIFEST," the Agriculture and Food Fair of the US Virgin Islands is the largest agricultural exposition in the territory. The Fair will be held from February 16-18, 2008 on the grounds of the Rudolph Shulterbrandt Agricultural Complex in Estate Lower Love, St. Croix.

Gates are open on Saturday, February 16 from 9 am until 6 pm with the opening ceremonies beginning at 10:00 am followed by a quadrille dance that is open to ALL. The highlight of the ceremony is the Farmer of the Year Award. Other activities include Fair-Wear Fashion Show, Junior and Senior Calypso Shows, Donkey cart rides, and horse rides.

Gates are open Sunday and Monday, February 17 and 18 from 9 am until 6 pm. The entrance fee on all three days is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children and $3.00 for senior citizens.

Once again, the main exhibit building will house the farmer's market and schools, youth groups, and Hovensa. More than 50 spaces will be filled by farmers with fruits, vegetables and other plants, and more than 30 spaces will be filled with schools and youth exhibits. Exhibits by the University of the Virgin Islands Research and Public Service component, the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture and USDA will be housed in tents.

The Agriculture and Food Fair is a showcase for locally produced agricultural products, livestock, arts and crafts and native cuisine. Throughout the weekend, fair goers can sample foods such as kallaloo, maufe, tarts, and candies and local drinks like ginger beer, sorrel, passion fruit and maubi. It is also an opportunity for residents and visitors to purchase fair T-shirts, post cards, the fair booklet and other souvenirs. The booklet highlights the agricultural research and cultural richness that make us unique as Virgin Islanders. The bulletin has evolved throughout the years from a simple program of the weekend's events to a booklet with the latest research, environmental issues, poems and special local recipes. It is also a pictorial documentation of the various activities that have take place throughout the years. Copies will be available at the fair for $5.00.

Residents and visitors are invited to participate in this wonderful package of family fun and entertainment planned for the 37th anniversary celebration. The family fun package includes interesting and attractive exhibits, roast pig demonstrations, entertainment, challenging competitions, rides and games, prize winning animals, delicious varieties of local food and beverages, and, of course, the fun and fellowship with friends and relatives from our neighboring island nations.

Come, join us as we celebrate a tradition of agricultural excellence!