Agrifest 2022. By. REEMY-REEMZ PHOTOGRAPHY/VICONSORTIUM
The 51st Annual Agriculture and Food Fair of the Virgin Islands is back to regular dates after its cancellation in 2021 due to Covid-19 and being held in May 2022. From Feb. 18-20, the popular annual cultural affair is back at the Rudolph Shulterbrandt Agricultural Complex in Estate Lower Love on St. Croix, according to organizers.
This year's them is “Agriculture: Growing Today for Tomorrow… You, Me, All Ah We.”
Agrifest 2023 will feature all the traditional programs, including the Farmer of the Year award presentations and quadrille dancing by the Heritage Dancers. Other entertainment will include VING Marching Band, Stanley and the 10 Sleepless Knights, Ay Ay Cultural Dancers, 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, We Deh Yah Cultural Dancers, 2023 Road March Champion, Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies, and Ay Ay Masqueraders.
“Our theme “Agriculture…You, Me, All Ah We… in 2023” is appropriate for this time. Now, more than ever before, food security is of vital importance!" said Dept. of Agriculture Commissioner Positive T.A. Nelson.
Organizers say Family fun will involve interesting and attractive exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment, challenging competitions, games, prize-winning animals, 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 all three Virgin Islands, guests are expected to arrive from Guyana, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia and Grenada.
The entrance fee is $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, and $4 for children. The fair will open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., with opening ceremonies scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18.
University of the Virgin Islands, which issued the press release, said its programs will be stationed under the UVI tent with educational displays of publications and services offered to the community. In addition to its major sponsorship role, UVI School of Agriculture will portray this year's theme: Agriculture…You, Me, All Ah We… in 2023.
