For good food, family fun and live entertainment all paths
lead to the 2013 Afternoon on the Green staring at noon on Sunday,
March 10, on the University of the Virgin Islands' Herman E. Moore
Golf Course on the St. Thomas campus. This year's theme is "From
Many, We Are One, on a Pathway to Greatness."
There will be something for everyone at UVI's annual friend raiser, now celebrating its 24th year. "This year's Afternoon on the Green will feature old favorites that everyone in the community has come to know and love, and fun new attractions aimed at becoming crowd favorites," said UVI Senior Coordinator of Donor Relations and Special Events Liza Margolis. "As in years past, the Afternoon on the Green will have $3 tastes of mouthwatering dishes, delectable sweet treats and local drinks, but this year look out for our 'Taste of the Green' restaurant tent."
A variety of local chefs will prepare their signature dishes and sell $3 tastes in the restaurant tent. Buddha Sushi will bring a taste of the east to the green and the Looney Bien will add Mexican flavor. Twisted Cork, Nibbs Catering and Bistro 45/60 are just a few of the restaurants that will also be on the green on March 10.
For a second year in a row, there will be a mini parade of 25 vintage Volkswagens and Mustangs that will make a grand entrance on the green led by the Addelita Cancryn Junior High School Marching Band.
"Bring your taste buds and dancing shoes to this year's Afternoon on the Green," said Cheryl Miller, Afternoon on the Green co-chair.
The mainstay of the Afternoon on the Green has always been
delicious food and local drinks. Dishes include "Bonito Fish
Pilau," "Seafood Kalalloo," New Orleans style "Jambalaya," "Prudy's
Bake Macaroni and Cheese," "Red Peas Soup with Pork," "Salt Fish
Balls, " "Caribbean Chicken Wings," "Filipino Egg Rolls" and
"Spinach Quiche." Some of the local drinks include "Groovy Gulp
Guava Passion," "Popeye's Revenge," "Ginger Beer" and "Anegada Ice
Tea."
Sonya Castro, honored in 2012 for her long time support of the
Afternoon on the Green, is bringing seven sweet treats, including
"Coconut Drops," "Sweet Potato Pudding," "Pistachio Cake" and "Red
Velvet Cake." There will also be "Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes,"
"Cheese Cake," "Whole Wheat Sugar Apple Bread with Walnut and
Flax," and "Blue Velvet Cake."
The community will have the opportunity to choose who contributed the best dish when they purchase $12 worth of tickets. Text judging will be provided by Choice Wireless. The cook whose dish receives the most votes will receive the Afternoon on the Green "People's Choice" Award.
Entertainment will be provided by Bernard Liburd and the Top Notch Band, the VI Philharmonic, the UVI Steel Pan Ensemble and the Mungo Niles Cultural Dancers. There will be a preview of UVI's upcoming Dancing with the Stars, modeling by I.Q. Productions and the audience can join in the fun by singing with Cool Runnings Karaoke. In the children's area, there will be fun games, bounce houses, tug of war, face painting and much more.
The funds raised at the Afternoon on the Green will provide students with scholarships. "Scholarships play a very important role in making sure that the community is educated," Miller said.
The Afternoon on the Green is sponsored by First Bank, VI Waste Management Authority, VI Auto Club, Prosolar, Merchants Bank, MSI and Choice Wireless.