This year's Agrifest began on a comfortably sunny day. It was hot, but not unbearably so, for the entire three days of the fair. The rain held off until the day after the fairgrounds closed. So, we got to see everything and visit with people we hadn't seen in a long time.

	Entering the fairgrounds via the Western gate, there are also a Southern and an Eastern gate for fairgoer's convenience. The vendors are set up along the walkway between the Plant and Display Pavillion and the Food Pavillion. There are tents set up in between for the various exhibitions.

	In the big tent the setup is initially for the dedication of the Ag Fair with the opening ceremonies. The University of the Virgin Islands, the Department of Agriculture, the Agricultural Extension Service and various government offices including those of the Governor and Lt. Governor will be represented here for the ceremonies. Around this main tent are the tents of other agencies including the media.

	And then, the Opening Ceremonies began. Clarice Clarke of the University of the Virgin Islands began the ceremony with the opening remarks. Following her, the Honor Guard's posted the colors. Then a dedication prayer was proffered. Following this, were many speeches and presentations by heads of government and the private sector.

	First, Mr. Willard John spoke and then, the new Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr. Louis Petersen, spoke. Here, Dr. Petersen is addressing the Governor and First Lady, John and Cecile deJongh. Behind him are seated the Lt. Governor and Second Lady, Gregory and Sheryl Francis.

	Speakers included Dr. Laverne Ragster, President of UVI, Judge Maria Cabret, the Delegate to Congress Dr. Donna Christensen, Senator Jimi Weber,Sam Ebbessen of Innovative Communications and Alex Moorhead of HOVENSA.

	Awards for community service and service to the Ag Fair were given to Ms. Zoraida Jacobs and posthumously on behalf of G. Luz James, to Mrs. James.

	Awards were given to the outgoing Ag Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Lewis by Mr. Stafford Crossman, to the Plant Pavillion Honoree Mrs. Rampersad, and Kofi Boateng of UVI gave a special gift to Mrs. Martinez and the children of Dr. Martinez, the Agriculture Station Vet who has passed.

	The honoree of the Food Pavillion Ms. Eleanor Pemberton, Asst. Police Commissioner Elton Lewis, the Governor John deJongh and Lt. Governor Gregory Francis.

	Large copies of the design for the Ag Fair poster, designed by farmer and artist Luca Gasperi, were given to everyone.

	The First and Second Ladies and other guests were given baskets of goodies.

	Sue Lakos introduced the Farmer of the Year Livestock Division, Dr. Ralph A. de Chabert, who gave us all a historical view of Agriculture in St. Croix.

	There was a lot to say about agriculture past and present. Then, Mr. Errol Chichester announced the Farmer of the Year Crop Division, Mr. Jackson, who could not attend the ceremony. Mr. Chichester accepted for Mr. Jackson.

	The Governor John deJongh then addressed the crowd and stressed the importance of agriculture. After which the ceremonies ended.

	Around the Plant Pavillion are othe booths with plants and other items. We now will go inside where there are more plants and fruits and vegetables for sale.

	Happy shoppers and vegetables from We grow Food on St. Thomas.

	Besides fruits and plants there are also the exhibit booths of all the schools. Each school follows the theme and creates a scene in their respective booths to represent the year's theme.

	The Future Farmer's of the American Virgin Islands.

	Stripping cane stalks to bag and sell as candy right from the garden, no recipe needed. Cane also makes juice to drink.

	Hey, what have you got there in those giant cups, cane juice???

	There was ag produce from other islands and preserves from right here.

	Outside the Plant Pavillion there is lots more to see, young people with young ideas and tried and true methods together.

	Between the Food and Plant Pavillions are the tents of various agencies. The VI Energy Office set up their solar and wind exhibit with information on the various programs they offer. That solar toy car really works.

	Alternative energy and ways of saving on conventional energy are the thoughts on many minds today.

	The vendors lined the walkways and the tents dotted the fields. WAPA gave fluorescent bulbs in their effort to help consumers fight the rising energy costs.

	Some of the lovely ladies under the Innovative Communications tent.

	Meanwhile, crossing the bridge we are now over on the Food Pavillion's side of the extravaganza. Ice cream is always a treat from the Armstrong Homemade Ice Cream truck.

	On this, the East side of the Fair, there is the Roast Pork station centered around the outdoor wood-fired brick oven (for bread baking), the Old Timey Store with its typical wares, the Long-Ago House with its pussa and flailing curtains. To get to this side, if one did not want to walk, one could hop on the Inter-Pavillion tractor trolley.

	And finally, the Food Pavillion. The place to be around 12 noon when the sun is high and the hunger is awakening. Delights that one may not get until the following year can be had for the asking. Stock up on candies and cakes if you dare.

	Along with the food you will need a drink. There is passionfruit, guava, maubi, peanut punch, sea moss, tamarind, limeade, fruit punch, soursop, carambola, cherry, golden apple and coconut water to choose from.

	Food and lastly cake!

	The close up dish shows someone's saltfish and dumplings. Looks good doesn't it?

	And, while you eat, you may want to have some live entertainment. These young quadrille dancers are swinging to the sounds of Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights. But, just sitting on a bench under the awesome shady canopy of neatly rowed mango trees and listening to leaves rustling is great.