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This Father's Day, the cultural delicacy of Paté takes center stage at the Agricultural Fair Grounds on St. Croix. On Sunday, June 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., SMT Enterprise and Laced Legacy are inviting the community to the inaugural Virgin Islands Paté Festival.
The festival promises a day of culture, family, food, and fun, offering a family-friendly experience for vendors and attendees alike. From children to beloved seniors, the festival aims to provide a safe, fun-filled atmosphere with food, entertainment, and community interaction.
A modest admission fee has been set: $5 for children aged 5-12, $8 for adults aged 13-64, and $5 for seniors aged 65 and above. Entry is free for children under the age of 5.
The event offers a unique platform for vendors to display their culinary prowess in Paté making. Attendees can relish in tasting a variety of creations all under one roof. Food vendors are also encouraged to supplement their offerings with other cultural dishes, enhancing the culinary delights throughout the day.
Entertainment will be in abundance with live performances by bands including No Problemo, Stanley and the TSK, and the R&B sensation, Deri. DJs Troopah, Karl, and Bootlegacy will be spinning both classic and contemporary hits, keeping the vibe upbeat. The Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies, renowned for their sky-high dancing and stilt skills, will entertain the crowd.
The highlight of the festival will be the Best Paté Competition. Select judges will sample Patés from all participating booths to determine winners in categories like meat, seafood, and veggie. Trophies, prizes, and most importantly, bragging rights, await the winners.
Honoring the late Corine Milligan, a beloved local Paté making pioneer, the festival will also feature a People's Choice award for Best Paté. This interactive component allows attendees to vote for their favorite vendor, with the award going to the most popular choice.
The festival organizers extended gratitude to sponsors, including the Department of Agriculture, Viya, the Department of Tourism, CC1, the V.I. National Guard, and others for their generous contributions to the event.
