St. Croix Animal Welfare Center Clambake

This year's St. Croix Animal Welfare Center Clambake was held at Elizabeth's at the Palms at Pelican Cove. There was food (including clams), music, over 60 raffled prizes, dance exhibitions and afternoon camaraderie for the support of the island's animals, all in a beautiful tropical setting.

	The sky was clear blue and the day a comfortable 85 degrees with a light breeze. Parking attendants were young volunteers who guided attendees to the parking spaces.

	Entering the Palms at Pelican Cove, one first approached the ticket table and got okayed for entry. Then it was on to the raffle ticket table to enter the raffle for one of the many prizes available.

	Next is the T-Shirt station. There were many other items such as decorated pins on sale. The Raffle Prize table displayed a list of the items which included trips, dinners, quilts and teddy bears.

	While the crowds arrived, the volunteer cooks prepared the various food items - steaming and grilling at the seaside.

	The grillmasters.

	The grill was hot, hot, hot!

	Preparing the pass-thru for delivery of the food. The volunteers carefully watch the pot - don't want to over steam the clams.

	The clams are almost ready - steamed to perfection and eagerly awaited by the growing crowd.

	Then it was time to get something to drink and something to eat. The line got long fast and hopefully, you could find your meal ticket!

	The handlebar moustachiod kissing bandit was on hand for the festivities. Feasting began on shrimp, steamed clams, barbecued chicken, corn on the cob, huge hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, macaroni salad and decorate-them-yourself cupcakes and cookies.

	Somebody's plates up close. Irish (lute?)musician played lilting tunes while patrons ate.

	Mr. and Mrs. Hospedales celebrating their 29th Wedding Anniversary were on hand for the sun, sea, food and entertainment.

	Relax by the bar or by the pool or under one of the cabanas, idling the day away.

	The mascot of the day. I'll bet he thinks everything smells wonderful. Hmm! I wonder if they'll give me one of those hamburgers. Then the last call was sounded for purchasing the raffle tickets for the raffle.

	Wait! We didn't get our dessert yet. There's still time.

	And then it was time for the raffle. The raffle was called every half hour until all 60 prizes were spoken for. So there was still time between stints to take in a little beach action.

	And at other intermissions in the raffle, there was more music. This time by Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights.

	And when Stanley plays, somebody has got to dance!

	Youth With A Mission gave a stunning performance with moving music. This group is down from Montana to do community service. We were happy to have them.

	Lots of coreography took place for this unusual and very long dance routine.