The Tea Meeting was an art form before 1900 which was researched and revived by Mrs. Eulalie Rivera who was enamored of the social event as a young woman. The event is now revived each year during Emancipation Week. The Tea Meeting hosts a variety of activities overseen by a Master and Mistress of Ceremonies, His and Her Royal Highnesses, poets and a choir.

	The Tea Meeting begins with great humor. The MC's causing the audience to laugh for a lengthy time.

	Each prospective orator must, first, address the Royal Highnesses before any oration can begin.

	The choir, at certain intervals, sings various hymns, anthems and marches and some of the audience can be heard singing along.

	The ceremony continues with many stories - tall tales to be sure - being told.

	The search is on for any would-be orators in the audience. One by one they ascend to the stage.

	And, as the Poet Laureate wraps up his poem,an interlude is planned. The sweet scent of lemongrass pervades the area - hot bush tea is served along with warm raisin buns to one and all - those on the stage and the audience.

	During the interval, officials from Yesterday, Today and Tommorow, Inc. and the V.I. Tourism Office spoke.

	Mrs. Eulalie Rivera, who in a few months turns 100 years old was on hand enjoying the event and gave a blessing to all.

	And then the oration continued.

	And now a little show and tell.

	The Cultural Dancers from St. Thomas joined in to celebrate on St. Croix. Their quadrille steps are different to ours. It was nice to see how varied the arts of the Virgin Islands can be.

	Such gentility and grace...