There are a number of wonderful fairs and festivals in Anguilla during the year. A must attend festival in Anguilla in August is the South Valley Community Street Fair.
Yesterday, I attended the South Valley Community Street Festival for the third consecutive year. Each year I have seen an increase in the number of attendees, the number of vendors and the diversity of the offerings.
Food tents and event attendees at the South Valley Community Street Fair, Anguilla
I am impressed with the way this community comes together each year. I take this opportunity to commend those responsible for organizing the event. Prior to the event, I listened to the organisers discuss how persons in the community came together to beautify and enhance the village by painting, clearing bush Etc. All the hard work was immediately evident as I walked through the village. In addition, the togetherness of the community and team spirit are immediately evident as you walk through this village as most if not all residents of South Valley make their front yards available to vendors and participants to simply enjoy themselves.
Fruit, vegetable and local drinks stall, Anguilla
During my initial walk-through, I stopped to admire some artwork and jewellery and to watch the children play in the bouncing castle but it was the food and drinks which were available that were beckoning me.
Bouncing Castle at South Valley Community Street Fair Anguilla
I listened to my inner voice and made a quick first stop at Eva’s Awesome Treats (E.A.T) as I had been craving and thinking about cinnamon rolls for the whole week. Eva made my wedding cake and she sells treats to my office during the week. I recommend her for all your pastry needs.
Eva of E.A.T and I at South Valley Community Street Fair, Anguilla
Eva of Eva’s Awesome Treats (E.A.T) at South Valley Community Street Fair, Anguilla
For lunch, my sister, hubby and I got fried fish with johnny cakes, conkie dumpling, potato pudding and tamarind and passion fruit juice to wash it all down. When I finished eating I was so stuffed. I still have cinnamon rolls and cookies from E.A.T for dessert today. I feel so lucky.
The sun was blazing hot but it was just such a relaxing ambience at the fair. I was hosting some visitors from St. Maarten for about an hour and while we walked the street, every few seconds I had to stop to say hello or greet family and friends. With a population of just under 14,000, it is not surprising that at any event, there will be many people I will know. This also shows that locals and visitors alike are recognizing that this is a must attend event.
During the fair, we saw persons dressed in costume and as we passed the string band, we watched some persons have a blast as they danced the afternoon away. I totally understand. Who can resist singing along or tapping your foot when you hear our local musicians?
String Band at South Valley Community Street Fair, Anguilla
In addition to the food and drink, another highlight of the fair was the opportunity to be interviewed by ‘ All Access with Audrey Jack’ out of St. Maarten about myanguillaexperience.com. The program is aired on three different stations and on social media. The team was great and they are certainly having a good time in Anguilla. We certainly thank them for coming to Anguilla and for taking the time to come to the South Valley Community Street Fair.
Interview about myanguillaexperience.com at Street Fair, Anguilla
If you are visiting and you are unsure where South Valley is, it is right next to the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre and Ashley’s Supermarket. Every Friday evening, all year round Milly and Fossie from this community offer authentic Johnny Cakes so do stop by to get yours.
Sherise in front of the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre located next to Fair, Anguilla
Had a wonderful time again at the fair in Anguilla and I look forward to attending next year. Hope to see you there.
