The Crucian Christmas Festival Village opened with majorettes and fireworks Thursday night, as hundreds of people gathered to pay tribute to the honoree, Corrine Milligan, and to taste the traditional favorites served up around the grounds.
Music blasted from speakers. People mingled and tried the johnny cake and passion fruit available from the booths. The cruise ship Ocean Regatta – a 500-passenger ship – still was docked at the Ann Abramson Pier and was a brightly lit backdrop to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Milligan lined up alongside Miss St. Croix Taryn Mashburn, Festival Prince Shakiem Crosley, Festival Princess Quanisha Christensen, Festival Duchess Kleshelle Gaskin and a number of politicians to cut the ribbon just before 7:30 p.m.
“We’re getting ready to start 11 big days of Crucian Christmas Festival,” said festival spokeswoman Melody Rames, as things were about to begin.
The Festival Village was named the “Corrine Pate Palace,” in honor of Milligan’s booth – No. 13 – where she has served up food at festival for almost 30 years.
“I think I deserve it,” Milligan said. “I work hard.”
But Thursday night, Milligan said she was going to take it easy.
“I’m going to be relaxed tonight,” she said. “I’m the queen tonight.”
After the ribbon-cutting, the group made their way down to the stage, where Milligan was honored with plaques, certificates and flowers.
Crucian Christmas Festival President Davidson Charlemagne said he was very happy that the festival was able to come together after the heavy rains that flooded the area in November
