May 12, 2005 – As part of the 22nd annual National Tourism Week, Frederiksted,sometimes called Freedom City, will come alive Saturday with the sights, sounds and smells of traditional food, dance and arts and crafts. Infusing local flavor into a nationally recognized day, Buddhoe Park, which sits just to the north of Fort Frederik, will host a Cultural Day sponsored by the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
With a spotlight on St. Croix's heritage and culture, Saturday's event will allow the general public to participate in Tourism Week activities. Some of the most revered cooks on the island will be selling steaming pots of Crucian cuisine. A delectable array of cakes, pastries, local drinks, jams and jellies will tempt the palate.
Entertainment will be by the Ricardo Richards Steel Pan Orchestra, the Eulalie Rivera Steppers and other school groups. Tommy Star, the Tourism mascot will make his debut on the big island. The crowds will also be entertained by the West End Masqueraders and the St. Croix Heritage Dancers.
The winners of two contests will be selected at the event. A round trip package for two to Denmark, donated by the Danish Travel agency, will be awarded – the ticket holder must be present to win. Also being selected on Saturday is the winner the best fruit punch contest.
Deputy Police Chief Herminio Velazquez Wednesday issued parking restrictions for the Cultural Day activities. Parking will not be allowed on Customs House street between UCA Redemption Hall and the Oscar E. Henry Customs House. Also, parking will not be permitted on Lagoon Street west of King Street – the northern side of the UCA Redemption Hall, south of Buddhoe Park. Vehicles found in or around this area or around Buddhoe part, which interferes or obstructs the Cultural Day activities will be towed and ticked at the owners' expense, according to the release. Persons will be allowed to load and unload supplies for the Cultural Day, but must move their vehicles as soon as possible.
Here is a list of activities taking place St. Croix for the remainder of Tourism week:
– Thursday – Friday: You're Hired Tourism Executive Internships – Qualifying high schools students will be offered two-day internships with tourism industry officials.
– Friday: Cultural Day 2005: Embracing Tourism through our Cultural Past – The annual event at Buddhoe Park will feature local cuisine and cultural dancing.
In St. Thomas/St. John, the remaining activities are:
– Thursday: Tourism Speaks Out – Tourism officials will speak to students about tourism and its impact on the community.
– Friday: Tourist for a Day – Students from different schools will experience what it feels like to be tourists for a day.
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