June 4, 2001 – Whatever you call it — the July 4th Celebration, the St. John Festival and Cultural Organization extravaganza, or just plain carnival — this year's version officially got under way Saturday in Cruz Bay Park with the annual Pan-O-Rama, featuring a dozen steelpan bands from St. Thomas and St. John.
The Love City Baby Pan Dragons — with players as young as 4 years of age — were clearly among the audience favorites as the bands performed in the Cruz Bay Ballpark from 6 p.m. until well into the night.
"It's great, it's fun and it's carnival," said Clarice Trotman, who played with the Charlotte Amalie Mellow Hawks.
Ira Wade, Pan-O-Rama Committee chair, said the performances were just that — performances, not a competition — allowing every band to do its best and be a winner.
The theme of this year's celebration is "Heritage, Culture and Fun for Festival 2001." The St. John festival has several new events aimed at entertaining and treating residents and tourists alike, Leona Smith, committee president, said.
Here's the rest of the schedule:
Friday, June 8 — Family Cultural Night, with games including a greased-pig contest and a tug of war, at the Winston Wells Ball Field.
Friday, June 15 — a new festival event, Salsa Night, with performances by top salsa and other Latin bands, at Winston Wells.
Saturday, June 16 — Calypso Show, at Winston Wells.
Sunday, June 17 — Princess Show, at Winston Wells.
Wednesday, June 20 — opening of carnival rides in the Little League Ballpark and of Children's Village, sponsored by the St. John Community Foundation.
Friday, June 22 — the new Senior Variety Show, showcasing the talents of senior citizens.
Saturday, June 23 — Queen Selection Contest.
Sunday, June 24 — Queen Coronation and Food Fair.
Friday, June 29 — Festival Village Opening Ceremony. This year's village honors the
contributions of Cheryl Boynes-Jackson and is called "Boynes-Jackson Village."
Wednesday, July 4 — J'Ouvert at 4 a.m. from the Cruz Bay tennis courts; Fourth of July Parade at 11 a.m. in Cruz Bay; and the finale fireworks at 9 p.m. from a barge in Cruz Bay harbor.
