The public is invited to attend the 51st Annual Agriculture and Food Fair of the U.S. Virgin Islands from Feb. 18-20, at the Rudolph Shulterbrandt Agricultural Complex in Estate Lower Love, St. Croix. Also known as Agrifest, the family-friendly event will feature locally produced agricultural products, livestock, handmade arts and crafts, local food and drinks and a variety of entertainment. The fair will open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with opening ceremonies scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 18. The entrance fee is $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, and $4 for children.
“Our theme “Agriculture: Growing Today for Tomorrow...You, Me, All Ah We… in 2023” is appropriate for this time. Now, more than ever before, food security is of vital importance!” said Positive T.A. Nelson, commissioner of the V.I. Department of Agriculture.
Agrifest 2023 will also feature Farmer of the Year award presentations, prize-winning animals, games and competitions. Entertainment will include quadrille dancing by the Heritage Dancers and performances by the Ay Ay Cultural Dancers, We Deh Yah Cultural Dancers, Guardians of Culture
Mocko Jumbies, and Ay Ay Masqueraders. Other entertainment will include VING Marching Band, Stanley and the 10 Sleepless Knights, Rising Stars Steel Orchestra, Hartatak Band International, Kurt Schindler, City of Refuge Worship Center, Eliminators, Renaissance Band, VIO International Band, Gyasi Clarke, Act Out Ensemble, Reggae Artists Expo, Unit Band, I-Land Boyz Steel Pan Extravaganza, 2023 Road March Champion. Family fun will involve interesting and attractive exhibits, demonstrations, a variety of delicious local food and beverages, along with the fun fellowship of sharing with friends and relatives from neighboring islands. In addition to participants from throughout the Virgin Islands, guests are expected to arrive from Guyana, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia and Grenada.
University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) programs will participate under the UVI tent with educational displays, publications and services offered to the community. In addition to their major sponsorship role, The University of the Virgin Islands School of Agriculture will portray this year’s theme in a special display.
The organizers of the 2023 Agriculture and Food Fair invite everyone to come and experience Virgin Islands Agriculture at its very best. The Agriculture and Food Fair is sponsored by the V.I. Department of Agriculture, the UVI School of Agriculture, the V.I. Department of Tourism and VI Lottery. For more information, visit www.viagrifest.org or contact Marthious Clavier at (340) 692-4090, or via email at .mclavie@live.uvi.edu.