Mango Melee: Drought Edition Happens On Sunday

ST. CROIX — The 19th annual Mango Melee is coming this Sunday, a press release issued by UVI and the St. George Botanical Garden has confirmed.

According to the release, the fun-filled family day includes food vendors offering a variety of delicious mango treats and other local food; craft vendors presenting beautiful artwork, jewelry, clothes and more; the kids’ and adults’ mango eating contests; and fun and educational activities for the children.

This year’s entertainment will include performances by King Derby & Calypso Inc., the We Deh Yah Cultural Dancers, a special appearance by visiting African dance and music troupe the Taratibu Youth Association, as well as DJ Swain and DJ SuperFly on the turntables.

Local celebrities and political candidates will once again risk getting soaked at the Dunk Tank for the benefit of St. George Village Botanical Garden. And the always popular Mango Dis, Mango Dat food competition will give local chefs a chance to show off their culinary skills and win special prizes.

The excitement is non-stop from noon to 6 PM. Admission is $6 for adults, $2 for children 6-12, and free for children 5 years and younger.

Walk with exact change to save time at the entrance gate.

The theme this year is Mango Melee 2015: The Drought Edition — dedicated to the Farmers of St. Croix who have provided the organization with fresh fruit and other produce, even under the adverse conditions of this growing season. Workshops will include “Conservation Practices for Addressing Climate Change,” and other informative discussions.

The “other” featured fruit for this year is the drought-resistant Coconut. Island chefs are encouraged to bring dishes incorporating this fruit for public tastings. Egg fruit will also be celebrated for its ability to hold up under adverse growing conditions.

The event is made possible through the support of VI Department of Tourism with help from UVI Agricultural Experiment Station, UVI Cooperative Extension Service, VI Department of Agriculture, and sponsors: A Better Copy, Cruzan Rum, A Garden Friend, Innovative Companies, TV2, Aqua Sounds Studio, Crucian Gold, Cruzan Environmental Services, JKC Communication, Owen & Carol Johnson, King Derby & Calypso Inc., Marshall & Sterling, and RE/MAX Team San Martin.