80.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsLocal newsMango Melee Goes Virtual for its 24th Annual Event

Mango Melee Goes Virtual for its 24th Annual Event

Single-handed mango eating was the rule for the adults and they attempted to get through the large plate of mangos. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Single-handed mango eating was the rule for adults as they raced to be the fastest to get through a plate of mangos. (Source photo by Linda Morland)

Summertime in the Virgin Islands means that mango season is at its peak. Unfortunately, mango lovers who look forward to their favorite festival each summer will have to attend the 24th annual Mango Melee virtually this year.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many anticipated events have been forced to go virtual or cancel until next year, and Mango Melee is no exception. This mouth-watering event is usually held on the grounds of the St. George Village Botanical Gardens. It showcases tropical fruits, foods and drinks that feature the ingredient of the day – mango.

The virtual broadcasting will take place from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday on the St. George Village Botanical Gardens Facebook page.

A young attendee takes a whiff of a jakfruit at the 2017 Mango Melee. (Anne Salafia photo)
A young attendee takes a whiff of a jakfruit at the 2017 Mango Melee. (File photo by Anne Salafia)

Created in 1997 as a suggestion to bring local families to the garden to highlight educational programs, Mango Melee has drawn thousands of people to enjoy activities, local shopping and locally made delicacies.

Viewers can expect to see such activities as the annual children and adult eating mango eating contest, a perennial favorite. There will also be mango cooking demonstrations, mango mixology with local bartenders and other mango-related features throughout the day. Proceeds donated to the event go to the St. George Village Botanical Gardens. Some of the sponsors include the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, the Virgin Islands Consortium, Seaside Market & Deli, Plaza Extra East, Leslie Stillwagon, Mall of St. Croix, Viya, JKC Communications, Isle 95, WJKC and Mongoose 104.9 and Cultured Naturals Body Care.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

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.