Press Release
Crucian Coconut Festival Celebrates 10 Years of
Culture, Agriculture and Community on December 5–6
Milestone celebration returns to historic Bethlehem Sugar Factory
with fine art, local cuisine, live entertainment and family-friendly activities
ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands (November 9, 2026) — St. Croix Farmers in Action, Inc. (SCFIA) will celebrate a decade of preserving and promoting Virgin Islands agricultural and cultural heritage with its 10th Annual Crucian Coconut Festival on December 5–6, 2026.
Under the theme “Rooted & Rising: A Decade of Coconut,” this year's milestone celebration honors ten years of bringing the community together through art, agriculture, cuisine, music, and cultural traditions. The two-day event also serves as the organization's signature annual fundraiser, supporting ongoing improvements to the historic Estate Bethlehem property and initiatives that strengthen St. Croix's agricultural future.
“Reaching ten years of the Crucian Coconut Festival is a significant milestone for St. Croix Farmers in Action. What began as an effort to celebrate the importance of coconut to our agricultural heritage has grown into an annual tradition that brings together farmers, artists, cultural bearers, local businesses, and families,” said Kareem Edwards, board member of St. Croix Farmers in Action. “As we celebrate this anniversary, we're also looking toward the future. We hope to continue strengthening local agriculture, preserving Estate Bethlehem, and creating opportunities that will benefit our community for generations to come.”
The festivities begin on Saturday, December 5, from 4–8 p.m., with the Fine Art Exhibit, curated by renowned St. Croix artist Lucien Downes. Guests will enjoy an evening celebrating Caribbean artistry, complemented by the Taste of Coconut culinary experience featuring coconut-inspired hors d'oeuvres prepared by Chef Ashley, formerly of Jubilee by Yaadie in St. Croix. Live music by Gyasi Clarke will complete the evening. Admission is $25 per person or $40 per couple.
On Sunday, December 6, from 11 a.m.–6 p.m., the grounds of the Bethlehem Sugar Factory will come alive with the main Crucian Coconut Festival, offering an afternoon of entertainment, cultural demonstrations, local cuisine, and family-friendly activities.
This year's entertainment lineup includes the Guardians of Culture Mocko Jumbies, Caribbean Dance Company, the Xpress Band and the Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra. Festivalgoers can also participate in or observe traditional activities, including a coconut jelly scoop competition, palm weaving, and sugar cake-making demonstrations. A special activation by the St. Croix Children's Museum will offer additional activities for younger attendees, while food and craft vendors showcase local cuisine and creativity.
A Decade of Celebration, A Lasting Investment in Agriculture
Beyond its cultural significance, the Crucian Coconut Festival plays an important role in advancing the mission of St. Croix Farmers in Action, a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to support agricultural education, sustainability, and community development.
A major priority is rehabilitating the historic Estate Bethlehem property's water infrastructure, including an existing one-million-gallon cistern and two 30,000-gallon cisterns. The project received a $1 million Community Project Funding allocation in Fiscal Year 2024, championed by Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett. SCFIA is pursuing financial assistance through USDA Rural Development to advance the restoration, which will provide farmers with a more reliable water supply, particularly during droughts and infrastructure disruptions.
The organization is also seeking support to install an air-conditioning system in its event hall, a large-capacity venue frequently used for major community functions, and to advance the development of a fruit processing facility that will create new economic opportunities for local farmers.
With technical assistance from the Virgin Islands Agriculture Business Center and the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center, SCFIA recently secured a $72,000 Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure equipment grant through the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. The funding enabled the organization to purchase a high-capacity mango pulp processing line, a significant step toward establishing a facility that can process locally grown fruit and expand economic opportunities in the territory's agricultural sector.
As SCFIA advances these initiatives, the annual festival remains an important source of community engagement and financial support, connecting the celebration of St. Croix's agricultural traditions with tangible investments in its future.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Businesses, organizations, and community partners are invited to sponsor the 10th Annual Crucian Coconut Festival. Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, offering brand visibility while directly supporting the festival and St. Croix Farmers in Action's agricultural and community development initiatives.
Tickets and Event Information
Fine Art Exhibit admission is $25 per person or $40 per couple. Admission to Sunday's Coconut Festival is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 5–12. Both events take place at the Bethlehem Sugar Factory on St. Croix. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
For tickets, sponsorship information, and festival updates, visit www.cruciancoconutfestival.net.