This year the World Food Day, which is held at the University of the Virgin Islands' St. Croix Campus, and which is sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service, featured the Carambola Fruit and the Pig and all of its pork products.

	The opening of the World Food Day Celebration began with displayers and vendors setting up their respective booths.

	Lots of colorful and nutritious food was on display and for sale.

	We are fortunate here in the Virgin Islands to have such abundance.

	The ceremonies began with speeches under the big tent. Patrons listened to many professors and University officials speaking about the importance of food and its meaning in the Virgin Islands.

	And then it was time to eat, taste some of the local specialities and drink local concoctions.

	Over at the V.I. Farmers' Cooperative tent there was a brisk business in local delicacies like Kallaloo and Fungi with Crab, Spinach Lasagna, Fried Fish and Johnny Cakes and Dukuna.

	Hungry fair-goers were enjoying the day devoted to food.

	More food was served while more informational sessions were being held under the big tent.

	There was a petting zoo for the children. Information on how to care for pets and groom them properly was given out by Ms. Lakos.

	Everyone was really interested in the donkey.

	Along with the food was the promise of future food through the Extension Service's program of handing out slips after one had been a participant in one of the workshops that were held free of charge.

	The first class was about growing Sweet Bell Peppers. This class was given by Dr. Petersen.

	The second class was given on the Carambola. This class was conducted by Dr. Arancibia. And the third class was instructional by Sarah and the 4H crew about low calorie snacks for children.

	There was standing room only at the Children's Treats demonstration. Could it be because of the good food given as samples?? Hmm.

	Back under the big tent was an ice cream demonstration with - of course - free samples of the just -turned fresh delicacy.

	And then it was time to try to catch a farm tour. Oops, missed the trolley. However, the tour went around the Experiment Station pointing out the various fields, crops under experimental development and the associated buildings. The University's agricultural section is comprised of a Farm Store, field crops and student field research stations.

	Local produce and tilapia fish are sold inside the farm store.

	Over at the St. Croix Farmers In Action booth preparations were underway early in the event. With so much bounty there was scarcely any open space on the table.

	But what is this? What are those people eating so heartily? We had to get a little closer to the FIA booth to get a good look.

	Coconuts are being cut open for their water by Percival Edwards of Farmers In Action. Coconut water is purported to be cleaner than drinking water and to have marvelous healing and cooling properties.

	Hai-yah! Look at that chop saki action. You've got to be good to cut a coconut that way!

	And amid the food and fun, there was a raffle for trees and other items.

	As the day wound down, attendees began to take home their raffle-won plants and trees. Some mingled to get a last fill up of food and drinks while engaging in relaxing conversation.

	And then the Mocko Jumbie came out to dance for everyone.

	The end of a perfect day.