Mango here, mango there, mango everywhere. As the resounding theme of mangoes filled the air, the 27th annual Mango Melee held at the St. George Village Botanical Garden on Sunday on St. Croix, former Sen. Positive Nelson exclaimed with joy, “Belly buss’ with mango.”
During the mango-eating contest, children as young as four years old competed, while the competition was steep during the adults’ division with strapping men. The crowd cheered in high spirits as local mangoes were devoured hastily for the ultimate prize of bragging rights and other monetary prizes for a series of local experiences.
An outstanding crowd, stadium-style in the grass at the St. George Village Botanical Garden looked on at the mango eating competition on Sunday afternoon at the Mango Melee. (Photo by Shanell Petersen)Anita Thomas, far left, eats her last mango as her fierce competitors struggled to keep up as this year’s winner of the 27th Annual Mango Melee. (Photo by Shanell Petersen)Anaiyah Perez, 6, enjoys the fish prints activity provided by the St. Croix East End Marine Park at the Mango Melee on Sunday. (Photo by Shanell Petersen)The puppy kissing booth by the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center was a huge hit for attendees of all ages — and for just $1! (Photo by Shanell Petersen)While vendors were plenty, such as local jewelry maker Tea Whittmann, right, owner of Tay Tay STX, with attendees checking out her handmade jewelry. (Photo by Shanell Petersen)Specialty rums, vodkas, and wine were served infused with mango like Alice Henry’s local Julie mango-infused rum from her own farm on St. Croix. (Photo by Shanell Petersen)Alissa B., gemstone jeweler, vends at the Mango Melee at the St. George Village Botanical Garden on Sunday. (Photo by Shanell Petersen)
There were mango fritters, mango barbecue chicken, mango lollipops, mango ice cream, mango stew, mango trout, and the list truly goes on. With no corner turned without mangoes to be seen, this year’s Mango Melee delivered on mangos in every shape, size, and form. Mouthwatering delicacies and thirst-quenching cocktails all had a taste, hint, or chunk of mango, to everyone’s great pleasure.
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