The University of the Virgin Islands’ (UVI) Herman E. Moore Golf Course on St. Thomas is being transformed into a community fairground this week, setting the stage for the 32nd annual Afternoon on the Green “friendraising” event on Sunday, March 17, from noon to 5 p.m. Live entertainment, local cuisine and an array of activities promise something for everyone at this year’s event themed “A Fusion of Flavors to Savor and Explore at Afternoon on the Green 2024”.
“We could not be more excited to welcome the community to this year’s celebration following the record attendance last year,” said Dr. Kyza A. Callwood, chairman of the event planning committee. “In bringing the community together we are not just enjoying the best entertainment and home cooked cuisine the Virgin Islands has to offer, but we are also supporting scholarships for our students and highlighting the many programs available here at UVI.”
Entertainment on the main stage will feature top local acts including RVP Band and Soca sensation, Shaw HP. Adult and youth performers include cultural dancers and student groups. New this year are the Best Dressed and Best Hat competitions. For the full event schedule, visit aog.uvi.edu.
Families will appreciate the extensive list of activities planned for children including face painting, bounce houses, mini-golf, Carnival games, and a go-cart demonstration. Additionally, the VI Children's Museum will be leading an activity while the Department of Health Maternal and Child Health division will share activities and treats. Teens can visit interactive displays about UVI's academic programs under the academic tent.
Food lovers will want to set up their lawn chairs near the food tent where they will find a buffet of delicious foods, including pick-up saltfish and pumpkin fritters, barbecue chicken, salmon balls, stewed chicken, meat pates, and many popular sides, including vegan and Ital options. An adjacent tent will be decorated with cakes, tarts, sweet breads, and other desserts made by home bakers and local chefs. Not to be missed is the native drink table. At $4 per taste, attendees can sample as many food items as they wish and vote for their favorites. Prizes will be awarded to the overall top vote getter as well as the top three in each category: Main Dishes, Seafood, Vegetarian Dishes, Soups, Side Dishes, Bread, Pastries/Sweets and Native Drinks. All cooks will receive an Afternoon on the Green apron.
Proceeds from the event support the Edward E. Thomas Volunteer Scholarship, awarded to two high school seniors from Charlotte Amalie High School and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School.
To assure comfort for all, attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and wear hats and sunscreen. There is a $3 parking fee.
Event sponsors include VIYA, VI Council on the Arts, First Bank, Haugland VI, VI National Guard, Community Foundation of the VI, WTJX, BVI Tourist Board, VI Department of Health Maternal & Child Health and Communicable Disease Division, Tradewinds Chiropractic, Paradise Chiropractic & Wellness Center, the VI Waste Management Authority Custom Builders, West Indies Company/ Bellows International, RT Park, Lew Henley’s Sewage Disposal, Charles Electrical Services, Holsum, Tropical Shipping, and Fabien’s Trucking.
For more event information and to register as a cook, visit or call (340) 693-1047 by March 13. aog.uvi.edu.