Margaret Sayers, also known as Ms. Maggie, was the honoree at this year’s St. John Celebration. Ms. Maggie, who is 85 years old, is known for her commitment and dedication to promoting the St. John Celebration throughout the years. She started getting involved in Celebration when she was 15. Ms. Maggie has been a member of the St. John Celebration Committee since it was first organized. She was also involved in Celebration with her famous Johnny Cake booth, where she served Johnny Cakes, pates and saltfish.
“I wish you all to have a very pleasant Carnival and Food Fair,” Ms. Maggie said.
Shikima Jones kicked off the celebration, singing the U.S. National Anthem and the Virgin Islands March.
Special guests then had time to share their thoughts on St. John Food Fair and congratulate Ms. Maggie for her dedication to St. John Celebrations over the years.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. stood before the crowd and spoke about St. John’s rich culture and history. “Thank you, Ms. Maggie. I think I heard you were here for the first Carnival,” Bryan said. Ms. Maggie would have been fifteen years old at the time of the first St. John Celebration.
Ms. Maggie’s daughter, Francilia Williams, accepted the award for her mother and read the engraved plaque to the audience. When Ian Turnbull, director of the Department of Festivals, took the stage, he said, “Congratulations, Ms. Maggie, for keeping our culture alive.” The audience nodded in agreement.
Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach also thanked Ms. Maggie for giving so much of her life to the Celebrations over the past 70 years and said, “This is a time we get to reflect on history.”
The coronation began with Sarai Lawrence being crowned Princess, T’Jari Moses being crowned Prince, and De’Aneysha Hill being crowned Junior Miss. Each member of the court addressed the crowd.
The newly crowned St. John Celebration Queen, Sher’Niah Freeman, who had earned the title the night before, addressed the people, saying, “A pleasant good afternoon Love City St. John.” Freeman said, “I wish you all a safe and Happy Carnival.”
The 70th St. John Celebration was filled with royalty of Carnivals past and present. Queens of previous years wore their crowns and visited the booths as a mocko jumbie walked amongst the crowd and the colorful umbrellas, setting the tone for a joyous and well-celebrated Food Fair.
Following the Coronation Ceremony, Bryan, surrounded by the lieutenant governor and royal court, cut the ribbon, officially opening Food Fair.
But patrons had already formed the longest line in front of Gwen’s Place, and there were already hungry people waiting when they opened at just before noon. The popular food was served with speed and kindness. Kindness appeared to be a theme as people greeted others with bright smiles. Gwen’s Island Flavor booth served curry, mutton, barbeque, conch, whelks, fish, and more.
There was a booth serving Pan Dragon popsicles, a cold treat, on a hot day, made of mango, strawberry, and kiwi. Two dollars from each popsicle sale went to the steel orchestra, Love City Pan Dragons.
Ertha Milliner of the E.D. Sweets booth said she was thankful for the lovely weather, just a few drizzles. She said, “St. Thomas and St. John Food Fairs were well attended.” Her favorite dish to prepare for Celebration is anything sweet. Milliner makes tarts, sugar cakes, stewed tamarind or cherries and local juices.
Ms. Maggie could be found at the booth closest to the ferry dock. Her daughter, Francilia Williams, served locals and visitors with a big smile.
Food Fair 2024 wrapped up with the local sound of the Quelbe Resurrection Band. From the Gazebo at Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park, joyous sounds filled the streets as the booths packed up their empty containers. Signs had most of their items crossed off the menu, having sold out during the well-attended event.
