When you’re visiting St. Croix, you’ll want to add this to your list of things to do while you’re here! The three-dimensional “I LOVE STX” sign was recently unveiled to the public in June 2022 as a backdrop for visitors and locals to snap a picture. Spearheaded by the St. Croix Classes of the 80s Inc., the sign was constructed by Lennox Galloway Welding Service and designed by local artist, Lucien Downes. The official Virgin Islands madras pattern has been uniquely incorporated into the “heart” of the sign.
A nonprofit founded in 2008, St. Croix Classes of the 80s Inc includes alumni who graduated during that decade. Best known for its hallmark events like “No Money for Carnival Party” and the “Christmas Throwback Affair,” the organization’s overall mission is to create educational, cultural, economic, and social outlets for members of its generation. According to president Lydia Rivera, the idea for the sign began three years ago when the organization’s board of directors were brainstorming ways to give back to the community in a significant way. “During the pandemic, while we were on lockdown and not able to throw our annual events, we used the time to implement the design, construction, and funding for this long-awaited project,” said Rivera. The sign was created “uniquely for St. Croix” to become a “signature component of the Frederiksted landscape.” Their hope is that the sign will be the go-to background for photos taken by locals and visitors whenever they visit the Frederiksted area.
The project funding for the sign was made possible through the collective contributions of the following sponsors: Cane Bay Partners VI, LLP, David Johnson, Sorbetiere, VAR Consulting, LLC, V.I. Department of Tourism, and the V.I. Lottery. Other kind donations were made by Colorama, KGP, Omayrie Rivera-Williams, V.I. Council of the Arts, V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources, and V.I. Department of Sports Parks and Recreation. The “I LOVE STX” sign is conveniently located at Frederiksted Beach next to Fort Frederik in downtown Frederiksted. Be sure to visit and snap a pic with your family and friends on your next visit to St. Croix!
Written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com)
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