Sunday’s celebration of St. John Food Fair began with a promise — after a long, hot month of June, the gathering clouds released a brief and cooling rain.
Raindrops clung to potted herbs and vegetable starts Sunday morning as a passing shower gave vendors and visitors a brief reprieve from June’s heat before the St. John Food Fair came to life in Franklin Powell Park. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
The potted plants didn’t seem to mind; neither did dozens of vendors who wiped off their tables and loaded them with produce, food and drinks.
Phillip Georges stood ready to welcome those pursuing the Food Fair menu. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Temperatures by noon were hot, but smiles of reunited friends stayed warm.
St. John tennis player George Lewis greets local drink vendor Clara Freeman. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Vendor Penny Lambert came in festive array.
Dressed in vibrant madras from head to hem, vendor Dorothy James added a burst of Caribbean color to the St. John Food Fair, embodying the festive spirit that filled Franklin Powell Park throughout the day. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)Sweet treats and island flavors lined vendor tables Sunday at the St. John Food Fair, where longtime participants shared homemade jams, baked goods and community spirit with visitors throughout the daylong celebration in Franklin Powell Park. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
It was time to gather ‘round the bandstand for the opening ceremony and crowning the winner of Saturday night’s Royalty Pageant. Elizabeth Farrell, tall and slender, wore a white satin pantsuit with colorful accents in the jacket. Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach praised all three contestants who competed for the crown for displaying intellect and appreciation for the culture to be found throughout the African-Caribbean diaspora.
Applause erupted around the bandstand as the 2026 St. John Celebration Queen crown was placed on Elizabeth Ferrell, capping a pageant journey that earned her the title and the admiration of supporters gathered for the Food Fair opening ceremony. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
It was also time to honor the quiet dedication of Food Fair Honoree Jennifer Williams. Williams was praised for the many hours she spent at Food Fair events rolling dough for johnny cakes. “I like to help out; I love to cook, I love good food and seeing people enjoy themselves,” the honoree said.
Food Fair Honoree Jennifer Williams receives her sash from Mistress of Ceremonies Alecia Wells during Sunday’s opening ceremony, recognizing years of behind-the-scenes service helping prepare one of the celebration’s most beloved traditions. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
The queen also received a cash prize presented by the Department of Tourism Division of Festivals.
Freshly crowned 2026 St. John Celebration Queen Elizabeth Ferrell accepts a $10,000 winner’s prize presented by Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach and Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull during Sunday’s Food Fair opening ceremony in Franklin Powell Park. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Smiles were also found in and around Franklin Powell Park among the crafts tables.
Behind a display of hand-painted calabash ornaments, artisan Sylvester Jolly shares a tradition of Caribbean craftsmanship, bringing natural materials to life with scenes inspired by island culture and everyday Virgin Islands life. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Residents and visitors spent the day tasting, shopping, and keeping company with old and newfound friends.
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-244-6631.
Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.
