Jan. 2, 2008 — It was all about food and culture at the Jeanette Rouse Cochran Food, Arts and Craft Fair Wednesday in Frederiksted, with food piled waist high in foil roasters stacked around cement tables at the Ann Heyliger Market.
Jeanette Rouse Cochran, this year's fair honoree, served up her specialty: baked snapper stuffed with fresh shellfish.
"I am truly blessed, " Cochran said. "Sometimes life goes just the way you want it to."
People lined up at Cochran's aromatic table even before the official opening, and she served them.
Cochran learned her culinary skills growing up from old-time Crucian cooks who lived in her neighborhood. She has worked in the Department of Human Services for the past 36 years as the nutrition manager for Head Start. Cochran is also an accomplished singer. She says she doesn't care if the fair is in her native Christiansted or in Frederiksted — it's all St. Croix.
The fair brought out hundreds of locals and tourists.
"This is absolutely the best we have to offer to tourists, all in one week," said Beverly Nicholson-Doty, commissioner of tourism.
One of the locals out to purchase traditional treats was Cheryl Francis, wife of Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis, saying she had to come out to get conch and lobster.
"This is one great way to showcase our local cultural food and treats," said Alvin Milligan, co-chairman of the food fair. "Culture is certainly alive with the culinary arts."
In the opening ceremonies, Gov. John deJongh Jr. presented Cochran with a wooden plaque signifying history, culture and tradition. Cheryl Francis gave Cochran a large red and white floral bouquet.
Storyteller Donna Asheba Samuel told a tale about Anansi the spider being hungry and greedy and ending up with nothing. Author Richard Schrader read his rendition of "Dreaming of an Old Crucian Christmas."
Rubbermaid cake savers, full of white cakes with creamy white icing, were stacked along with other sweet treats such as coconut tarts and Vienna cake. Every Crucian fruit drink imaginable was available for purchase, such as tamarind, sorrel and passion fruit. The roasters were full of saltfish, barbecued chicken, macaroni and cheese, fungi, green figs and all sorts of other typical Crucian fixings.
Former Sen. Lilliana Belardo, a fixture at festival for more than 20 years, sold her signature dish, Alcapurria (a provision fried with meat in the center), along with a crispy baked ham.
"The best part is talking to people and seeing them enjoy my cuisine," she said.
Government workers out after a half day bought $10 and $12 dinners to go. DJ Comombo provided entertainment, along with the Rising Stars Steel Band. Groups of kids blew bubbles and had good old-fashioned fun.
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