A Brief History of AgriFest

AgriFest really had its roots in the 1930’s when it was called Agricultural Field Days and held at the former Agricultural Experiment Station in Estate Anna’s Hope. The Fair was still held in February and was still considered one of the highlights of the Crucian year. It attracted almost every producer on the island and not only featured  fruits and vegetables as well as livestock and poultry but also their products and by-products which included fresh meats, milk and eggs. Local beverages were on sale along with handicrafts, homemade baked goods and all types of local prepared dishes that were usually cooked at the fairgrounds. Also on sale were vegetable seeds, transplants, ornamental and fruit trees. 

There was plenty of music and gaiety, along with programs at which government officials and other dignitaries made speeches. Many outstanding farmers were recognized and  awards and prizes were given out for outstanding quality of produce and livestock. 

In many ways, the early days of the Fair set the precedent for the years to come, but  despite the theme of this years Fair “From Soil to Soul” the emphasis at the Fair that had once been placed on the farmer and his struggles to bring in his crops, to battle the elements, and the day-to-day hardships of running a farm, seem to have changed to a more commercial focal point. And many farmers claim it is not for the better.

At the 1943 Field Day celebration at Anna’s Hope, Franklyn M. Glover, Soil Conservation Specialist, made this statement in regards to the Fair:

“The ultimate goal of the Soil and Water Conservation Service is what the name of this Federal Department implies: To conserve the soil and water on the island of St. Croix. If the soil is fertile and moisture is available to cane and other crops, the production is unlimited.”    

The enthusiasm for holding the agricultural event seemed to have died off for several decades after its initial successful years. This downturn may have had something to do with the chaos created by the Second World War along with a shift in the local economic situation. It wasn’t until 1971, when former Agricultural Commissioner Rudolph Shulterbrandt along with a number of other interested parties started the Fair up again. It was held at Estate Lower Love on the grounds of the local Department of Agriculture. In 1972, the garage building was the center of major activity at the Fair which was called “Field Day St. Croix Agricultural and Food Fair.” It hosted fruits and vegetables, ornamentals, homemade food, and refreshments. Food preparation demonstrations were a big part of the attractions.

After the horrific effects of Hurricane Hugo in September of 1989, it was evident the recovery affected every inch of St. Croix’s farmland. The local budget was insufficient to give the farmer’s emergency relief and appeals to the U.S. Department of Agriculture yielded no help. It was a devastation to those whose livelihood depended on the soil which was soaked in salt water and the population which depended on the local crops for their sustenance. However, the farmers were determined to continue farming and even though there were temporary setbacks, the farmers prevailed. Hurricane Hugo adversely affected the Food Fair for 1990, but by 1991, the Fair came back with a renewed sense of vigor, pride and what amounted to an island-wide celebration for what had been accomplished under the worst of circumstances. 

The Fair undertook a major transformation in 1995. Agricultural Commissioner Arthur C. Petersen Jr. utilized funds to buy materials to construct modular food and refreshment booths. He also purchased a number of single stand exhibitor tents, and placed electrical outlets to facilitate those exhibitors who needed the hook-up to electricity. He purchased three large tents to house entertainment, University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) exhibits and VI Department of Agriculture exhibits. He added to these facilities an opening ceremonies tent and two 10ft x 30ft banks of sanitary bathrooms. It made coming to the Fair akin to a day out at a picnic.

“The late Rudolph Shulterbrandt saw something worth doing when he envisioned the need to recognize the Farmers throughout the Territory particularly on St. Croix,” stated former Commissioner Arthur C. Petersen Jr. at the time of the 2001 Fair. “The farmers have made invaluable contributions to the development of Agriculture in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

Today, the 53rd Annual Agriculture and Food Fair stands as a testament to the resiliency of all Virgin Islanders. It exemplifies the great entrepreneurial spirit that runs like a beautiful song throughout the  

Islands. AgriFest has grown to be the stellar event that brings out the best in its people because the people themselves have dug in their heels, time and again, when all looked lost they have banded together and gone back and worked the soil, worked their jobs, and saved the soul of this great place.  

AgriFest sings so many beautiful songs at the same time. It sings about togetherness. It sings about pride. It sings about the never say die spirit of Virgin Islanders. It sings loud and clear about our love and respect for this land we love and cherish. When we walk across the Fairgrounds and smile and laugh with our fellow Crucians it is also a song we all know: To celebrate life.