Mango Melee
Every July, Mango Melee is hosted by the St. George Village Botanical Gardens. This popular summer event helps develop a greater appreciation for tropical fruits, especially mangoes, and educates the public about growing these fruits and the many ways they can be used. Mango Melee offers educational workshops as well as fun activities for children and helps raise funds for the programs the Garden presents throughout the year.
‘Mango Dis, Mango Dat’ is a food competition that has been building in popularity over the past few years. Chefs and cooks from around the Virgin Islands are invited to compete. There are four categories in which mangoes must feature prominently: Sips (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks), Sweets (and desserts), Salsas (and sauces) and Stuff (any miscellaneous foods that don’t fit in the other categories). There are prizes awarded in all categories, and tastes of the winning entries are then available for sale. Contact the Garden for the ‘Mango Dis, Mango Dat’ entry requirements, fees and details.
There are also tropical fruit demonstrations and tastings, various mango contests, a Tropical Fruit Identification contest, and the ever-popular kids Mango Eating Contest. Best of all, local food and drinks are available for purchase, and scores of craft vendors will be offering their wares. Enjoy cultural dance performances, moko jumbies, music and more throughout the Garden. The Botanical Gardens will also have a bar featuring tropical rum drinks, the nursery will be open and plants will be available for sale, and the Garden’s Museum and Store will be open. The day ends with a silent auction on the tropical fruits that have been on display in the Great Hall for the event.
EVENT DETAILS
Date and Time
Mango Melee generally takes place on a Sunday in early July each year.
Location
St. George Village Botanical Gardens, located off of Centerline Road (Route 70) in Frederiksted on the West End of St. Croix.
Entry Fees & Parking
Entry fees are usually $10 per adult, $5 for children 5-12 years old, and free for children under. There is free parking available at or near the St. George Village Botanical Garden.
For More Information
For a schedule of events and more details, go to www.SGVBG.org.
