June 29, 2008 — Cruz Bay was filled with good cheer Saturday as St. John's July 4th celebration moved into its final week with the opening of Scatliffe Village, named in honor of Irene Scatliffe.
"Come out and jump up," Scatliffe said as she accepted accolades during the opening ceremonies.
Scatliffe has had a booth in the July 4th Celebration Village for about two decades. When she's not busy cooking food, she's at work at Caneel Bay Resort.
"You're a rock in our housekeeping department," Caneel Bay manager Nikolay Hotze said.
Scatliffe Village will remain open through July 4 in the public parking lots across from the post office. Residents and visitors gathered Saturday to meet, greet and enjoy food served at more than a dozen booths set up around the perimeter of the village.
"Roast pork, peas and rice, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, whelks…, "Annie Wade said, ticking of the list of items for sale at the We Nah Goin Home Till We See De'Sun booth.
Jocelyn Harpel of Toledo, Ohio, who was staying at the Westin Resort and Villas, was making the rounds of Scatliffe Village with five other members of her family.
"I absolutely love the music," she said as St. John's own Love City Pan Dragons entertained.
St. John residents Laurel Hewitt-Sewer and her husband Oswin Sewer passed the time waiting for the opening ceremony to begin by strolling around the village.
"I'm ready to have some fun, and to meet and greet people I haven't seen in a while," Sewer said.
St. John resident Steve Simon also said he came out to see all his friends and neighbors. "And to wish everybody a happy, safe and healthy Carnival," he said.
Safety was on several people's minds. St. John Festival and Cultural Organization committee member Natalie Thomas said the group had taken many steps to ensure that no violence occurs.
"And the police are out in full force," she said.
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