ST. CROIX — The Virgin Islands Port Authority held its first ever “Frederiksted Holiday Fest” on Saturday, bringing to this island a tradition of the Port Authority that has been long celebrated on St. Thomas.
The party included various bands, a dance group, performances from local schools and a tree-lighting ceremony at 7:00 p.m.
“From the time that I’ve been at the port, I’ve been doing this in St. Thomas every year, and it’s just gotten bigger and bigger,” said Carlton Dowe, VIPA’s executive director. “And it’s one port. I’ve always said that I believe they (St. Croix Port Authority leadership) must take the initiative, and we walked through the plan with them, and they ran with it.”
Mr. Dowe said VIPA sponsored 400 gifts for the children here as part of the celebration and season of giving. He also lauded the Ann E. Ambramson Pier for its beauty, and said the event must be made into an annual affair.
David Mapp, assistant executive director of VIPA, also chimed in, thanking Mr. Dowe for his full support. He later veered off topic and brought to the fore plans he has for the ports here, more pointedly the Henry E. Rholsen Airport, which Mr. Mapp spoke about extensively earlier this year, at an press conference held to reveal those plans.
Elsewhere on Saturday, a Pig Roast Festival saw residents descending on the Armapavie Ballpark. The Randolph ‘Doc’ James Race Track on the Airport Road came alive with an annual steel pan event, where various groups gathered to showcase their talent. The occasion is usually held at the Island Center for the Performing Arts. And Crucian Fusion: Traditional Gone Gourmet was also held yesterday, at the Whim Museum.
Feature Image: A picture collage showing activities at the Ann E. Ambramson Pier last night.
Image Credit: VIC.
Tags: 2016, frederiksted holiday fest
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