St. Croix Centennial Transfer Celebrations To Include Massive Fireworks Display

ST. CROIX — March 31, 2017 marks 100 years since the USVI was transferred from one power to the next — the Danish Government to the U.S. Government — for $25 million in gold coins, and the USVI government has planned multiple events leading up to March 31 to commemorate the special occasion.

One of those events was fireworks on March 31 during the official commemoration ceremony at Fort Christianvaern on St. Croix, but because of financial constraints, the Mapp administration cancelled those plans. It was then that organizers of the St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade, held annually in December, decided to step in and raise funds in an attempt to save the fireworks part of the program.

Today, the group said not only was it able to raise the funds for the fireworks, local boaters will also present an informal procession with flags along the boardwalk, followed by a “dazzling fireworks display” at 7:30 p.m.

St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade Chairman Sal Sanpere, along with members of the committee who worked with several donors, raised the funds and promised to make the fireworks display 35 percent bigger than ever. Billy Desmond will be the lead shooter, according to the release.

The St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade’s annual December event usually marks the beginning of the Christmas season here, drawing multiple thousands every year, as family, friends and visitors alike descend on the Christiansted Boardwalk and Fort Christianvaern to kickoff the festive season.

In its release today, the committee said about 5,000 people are expected to be part of this year’s commemoration. It also asked for more donations to make the event even greater, with checks being written out to The Christmas Boat Parade, and mailed to: Sal Sanpere, c/o Olympic Rent A Car, 1103 Estate Richmond, Christiansted, VI, 00820.

For more information call 340-690-0006.

Feature Image: Aerial shot of the Christiansted Boardwalk. (Credit: Marcos Soto Exposure Studio)