Nov. 30, 2008 — The 20th Starving Artists Day on the grounds of Whim Plantation kept the tradition strong as more than 1,000 people came through the gate looking for entertainment as well as Christmas gifts.
The parking lot was full Sunday afternoon and many people had to park hundreds of yards away for the St. Croix Landmarks Society’s biggest fundraising event.
Once visitors entered the grounds they had a lot to choose from. Of course, there were oodles of local artisans selling jewelry, pottery, wood carvings, photography, plants, leather goods, candles, lotions, music CDs, paintings, clothing and books.
Business seemed to vary for each individual vendor.
"The economy is not as depressed as they let on — at least not here," said Lea Ann Robson, jewelry designer of From the C. Robson said sales were going so well she had sold some of her sea-glass earrings and ornaments.
"It's been mediocre, not like last year," said Roger Nickell, woodworker, owner and craftsman for the Wooden Nickel.
Whealan Massicott, jewelry designer and owner of ib designs, said his sales had been wonderful.
"The success is in people coming and enjoying the activity," Massicott said.
Kate Kroska, who was at her first Starving Artists day, said she was quite pleased with the sales she had made and felt the event was very good for her to get her work known.
J'son Richards, a talented, 12-year old Rastafarian artist, also had his acrylic paintings for sale.
For those more interested in eating than shopping the choice was again impressive. Food and drink booths featured patés, johnny cakes, fritters, shish kebabs, fried fish, cakes, breads, tarts, local fruit smoothies, beer and mixed drinks.
Many visitors passed the tents and went on to tour the sites of the plantation — an old animal mill, windmill, towering steam engine chimney and, of course, the great house itself.
One of the highlights was the 2nd Annual Guavaberry Competition sponsored by Paradise Radio 93.5, set in one of the wings of the Great House. The first place winner was Shirley Govine who garnered $300 and a trophy.
"I feel blessed, truly blessed," said Govine.
A second place trophy and $200 went to Arlene Abrahams.
"People said I would be crazy not to enter the contest," said Abrahams. "This is wonderful for my first time entering any contest." Third place went to Sandra Fhaire, who also received a trophy and cash. There was also a people's choice award.
Judges rated the Guavaberry liquors on clarity, aroma, body, overall taste and aftertaste. Judges were Bobby Mackay, Cheryl Francis, Nellie O'Reilly, Fran Geocaris and old-timer George "Bottle Man" Rawlins from the rainforest.
There were performances by the Guardians of Culture Mocko Jumbies, Caribbean Dancers, the Rising Stars steel pan band and story telling by Janice Tutine.
"I saw a lot of interesting things and a wide range of products," said Angelia Hanne. "I thought about Christmas shopping — but I came on a motorcycle and I can't carry things home."
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