Throngs of people drifted slowly past the array of food tents and vendors assembled in Market Square for the annual feeding frenzy known as Food Fair. The scents and sights would draw one person to a tent for conch with butter sauce, another to a booth selling maubi and yet another across the square to greet a long lost friend.
Though crowded as usual, no one seemed in a hurry and there were only the average number of collisions as the crowd moved in waves under the mid-day sun in search of traditional island food, drink and old friends.
There were senators and local personalities and just plain folks. Sen. Lorraine Berry was there despite a recently sprained ankle.
Irvin "Brownie" Brown was spotted talking with great interest to one of the vendors about her food, but had no plate in hand. He was overheard saying he had to "save my stomach for later."
Acting Commissioner of Licensing Andrew Rutnik was observed in a deep philosophical discussion with Sen. Roosevelt David. And Dr. Gwen Moolenar seen was happily limin' with a friend.
Kelly Davis, who was visiting from the Bronx, said he was here just for carnival. Davis said he was "loving every minute" of being back in his native St. Thomas.
Jeff Watson, an engineer for Public Works, was ordering a plate of conch and enjoying himself before the end of the fair when he said he would be part of the clean-up crew. Watson is a member of the team of D.P.W. employees who volunteered this year to be on clean-up duty. The volunteers will not be paid because there is no money for overtime.
"We're supposed to get compensatory time, but that's not why I'm volunteering," Watson said. "I don't think that's the motivation for most people. We just want to help."
