The Annual Festival Food Fair was held at the Ann Heyliger Vegetable Market in "Freedom City" Frederiksted on Thursday January 4th, instead of Wednesday January 3rd, as scheduled, to accommodate the attendance of the new Governor John deJongh. As was to be expected, there were selections of famous local dishes prepared by equally renowned local chefs.

	Frederiksted Town began to fill up with cars as Noon came and went and people arrived to get their meals.

	The Image Band played traditional music for the enjoyment of all.

	While the music played, some folks got hungry and decided to get served before the crowds rushed in.

	And then everyone was hungry.

	The Lt. Governor Gregory Francis was spotted moving through the crowd, as the Governor John deJongh, also among the people, listened intently to the ideas and concerns of one of his constituents.

	Under the big tent were local pastries and tarts for dessert. Also seen was the newly elected Senator Jimi Weber III.

	Ireece Joseph was the recipient of the honor, this year, of having the Food, Arts and Crafts Fair named after her. Ms. Joseph creates over 32 different preserves with the island's fruits. It is lots of hard work, from harvesting to processing with care.

	And the crowd grew decidedly heavier as time went on. People did not want to miss out on selections from their favorite cooks.

	A half-filled plate awaits the rest of the trimmings and the main course. Roast pork, potato stuffing, macaroni and cheese, pidgeon peas and rice, cole slaw and gravy in one dish, roast goat in another.

	Some of the seasoned cooks.

	That's a big blue fish!

	Good friends and good food, the recipe for a perfect day. It could be Kallaloo and Fungi in that big cup or Red Pea Soup on this bright and shiny afternoon.

	After getting served, some people went home, others stayed nearby to eat their selections. This family sits together under a shading tree. The young lady told me that her Crab and Rice was superb.

	The famed Mamaguana was pointed out to us. We are told it has libidinous qualities. Hmmm. How well it goes with Roast Pork is anybody's guess.

	Or how about this Spanish dish of tripe and pig jowls. Right next door is the Lobster Rice we had been hearing about since the start of the event. It is quite beautiful.