Dec. 4, 2008 — Crucian Christmas Festival kickoff revelers were welcomed to Christiansted Thursday night with the words "Seasons Greetings" in white lights strung across King Street and the intense beat of Stroka Band thumping through the streets.
A chilly breeze blew through the crowded Christian "Shan" Hendricks Vegetable Market, with the smells of cotton candy and popcorn in the air. People young and old sat on the cement benches and tables in the market, which was decorated with flags. Hundreds of people gathered around the stage, dancing and swaying to the music of Stroka Band and Pure Passion Band.
The Crucian Christmas Festival kickoff began with dignitaries and family members of George "Bagoon" O'Reilly cutting the ribbon at the mini village — named in honor of O'Reilly, and located at the vegetable market on Company Street — officially marking the beginning of the festival.
Members of the festival committee presented a plaque to the family of O'Reilly, a Crucian Christmas Festival stalwart, former senator and radio personality who died Nov.16. Opening remarks were offered by St. Croix Administrator Pedro "Pete" Encarnacion and Brad Nugent, assistant tourism commissioner. The crowd was introduced to the contestants for Miss St. Croix, prince, princess and duchess.
"This kickoff in Christiansted was meant to bring the people of Christiansted and Frederiksted together to have fun," said Davidson Charlemagne, president of the Crucian Christmas Festival board. "And to help revive Christiansted and to bring in revenues."
The general consensus of the people gathered was that they were happy to have a part of the festival back in town.
"It's nice to have something in Christiansted again," Michelle Messer said.
"This is a lot of fun tonight," said 12 year-old Aliya Messer.
Vendor Ira Hobson was also happy about the kickoff taking place in Christiansted.
"This is long overdue, helping small businesspeople in Christiansted," said Hobson, who sold trinkets along with his sister, Ciceley Hobson. "We are happy to have a little culture in Christiansted."
Numerous vendors sold traditional festival food such as stewed conch, seafood kallaloo, salmon balls, gooseberry stew and stewed Guavaberry.
"What can we say other than we are really enjoying ourselves?" said Kerwin and Marilyn Asealy.
As the night wore on, the music of Pure Passion got so loud it could be heard up in the hills outside of town.
Friday's lineup includes JDPP Jammers from St. Thomas and Daddy Jones, featuring Pumpa from St. Croix.
Saturday will be the Traditional Old Time Nighttime Parade, beginning at 8 p.m. at Times Square in Christiansted. Bouncer Band from St. Thomas and Rupshun Band and Fusion band from St. Croix will play.
Prince, Princess and Duchess Show will take place Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Island Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Dec.12 is the Calypso Eliminations, and on Dec. 13 there will be a soup cook-off, a fundraiser for Juan F. Luis Hospital. The Miss St. Croix pageant will take place Dec.14 at the Paul E. Joseph Stadium in Frederiksted. The Festival Village opens Dec. 26.
For more information about the festival, visit stxfestival.com.
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