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ST CROIX — Get ready to celebrate, refresh, and rediscover at the 2024 Crucian Coconut Festival on St. Croix! Hosted by St. Croix Farmers in Action, Inc., this extraordinary festival is dedicated to exploring the many ways coconuts can help rejuvenate St. Croix’s economy. Over three fun-filled days, the festival promises an array of activities centered around the remarkable coconut, with engaging exhibits on the benefits and versatility of coconut farming. Coco-nuts are among the world’s most versatile fruits, producing a range of byproducts enjoyed worldwide.

Beyond celebrating coconuts, the Crucian Coconut Festival strengthens community bonds, providing a safe and family-friendly space to support local entrepreneurs, small businesses and farmers. In 2022, the festival added the fine art exhibit and cocktail reception on the opening night. Curated by Lucien Downes, this year’s exhibit will highlight the creativity, inspiration, and the boundless imagination of St. Croix’s local artists. Visions of Tomorrow” Aspiring Artists & Student Art Showcase will feature the St. Croix Schools Children’s Art Walk with pieces from various school students across the island. Score one of many amazing items from the silent auction and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and live jazz music by the Eddie Russell Jazz Ensemble.

Day 1 kicks off with an immersive edu-cational and demonstration day! Starting at 11 a.m., attendees can dive into a fun-filled learning experience showcasing the incredible versatility of coconuts. Expect a variety of hands-on presentations, from crafting coconut-based utensils and cre-ating delicious coconut-inspired dishes to exploring different types of coconut trees and using coconut compost.

Day 2 brings the excitement of Coconut & More Family Day! Guests will enjoy live demonstrations of traditional coconut palm weaving, transforming leaves into intricate grasshoppers, hats, and birds. The crowd-favorite Coconut Recyclable Fashion Show will push the boundaries of creativity, featuring unique looks crafted primarily from coconut materials by talented local artists. Don’t miss the Guardians of Culture Mocko Jumbies, who will dazzle with their high-energy dance performances, showcasing incredible agility and skill.

A wide array of vendors will be on-site, offering an abundance of coconut-inspired crafts, local foods, and tasty treats for purchase. The family activity center promises plenty of fun for kids, with games, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, a book mobile and more. Don’t miss the fan-favorite Coconut Jelly Scooping Contest—a lively, laughter-filled competition where speed is key! Attendees will be on the edge of their seats as contestants race to scoop their way to victory and claim the title in this entertaining event.

The Crucian Coconut Festival will kick off with the Fine Art Exhibition & VIP Coconut Cocktail Reception at Estate Bethlehem Sugar Factory on Friday, November 29th from 6pm to 9pm. Tickets are available on Eventbrite at $35 per person or $60 for a couple. The main festival event will on take place on Saturday, November 30th and Sunday, December 1st from 11am to 6pm; $10 entry fee for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12 and $5 for seniors. For more information, visit www.cruciancoconutfestival.net or check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cruciancoconutfestival

Written by Anquanette Gaspard