This year’s St. John Food Truck Festival will be held from Friday through Sunday in the Virgin Islands Port Authority’s parking lot across from the post office in Cruz Bay.
Now in its third year, the popular fundraiser has outgrown its former venue in the Bureau of Motor Vehicles parking lot next to the tennis courts, according to Dior Parsons, the event’s organizer.
“So far, we have 16 vendors from St. Thomas and St. John – serving burgers, barbecue, smoothies, local food, some ital vendors, some vegan, and desserts by the Gifft Hill School junior class,” said Parsons.
“The event is a fundraiser for Society 340,” a nonprofit organization “devoted to bringing Virgin Islands youth and young adults to their peak potential,” according to its website. Parsons, who is the nonprofit organization’s founder and president, added, “It’s gala season on St. John, but we try to do something that the entire community can partake in.”
The event means the parking lot next to the Victor Sewer Marine Terminal at the Creek will be closed from Wednesday, March 19 through Thursday, March 27, but Parsons said the location offers bathrooms and proximity to the ferry dock. As many as 90 percent of the people who attend come from St. Thomas, Parsons said.
The funds raised will be used to support the organization’s programs, including its summer workforce internship program, which gives high school students the chance to rotate through various positions with local businesses and government agencies.
“We start working with students in the middle of eighth grade, providing them with a map of each grade with a timeline,” said Parsons. “With ninth graders, we help them to make their community service hours intentional. We work with students throughout high school to prepare resumes and portfolios, so they’re ready to move on to college, trade school, the workforce, military, or the maritime industry.”
This year, Society 340 is also raising funds to open a center for high school students on St. John near Monsanto’s Laundry. “We have two trailers that we’re outfitting, and we’re looking for a third,” said Parsons. Bloomberg Philanthropies has provided some funding for the project, and local architect Kurt Marsh has made drawings that will be available to view at the festival.
Parsons said interested vendors and volunteers can contact her at 340-690-3585 for further information.
Current Sponsors for the 2025 Food Truck Festival include VIYA, VIRGIN ABIS, O’Connor Rentals, Caribbean Soul Vacations, Mr. Piper Jeeps, Varlack Ventures, Sea Shore Allure, Big Red Barge, Dolphin Market, Starfish Market, Homegrown Studio, Cinnamon Bay, Island Hope Wines, Tap Room, Lovango Resort & Beach Club, and Alliance Point Charters.
