As regular as clockwork, if such a thing is possible on St. John, fireworks lit up the sky over Cruz Bay Harbor last night.
The colorful, sparkly, noisy conclusion to a month's worth of activities known as St. John Festival thoroughly entertained locals and visitors.
Gretchen Labrenz of Cruz Bay Realty Tweeted that the fireworks were "the only thing that ever happens on time on ST. JOHN … 9:00 sharp!"
This photo is courtesy of Bob Schlesinger and is actually of the pyrotechnics launched last year … new images of last night's show 'soon come'. (www.tropicalfocus.com)
Now, as for the cost. Well, the St., John Source quotes the Festival's chairman saying the budget for all the events was $350,000. The cost of the fireworks show is about $30,000, said Leona Smith, the chairman.
Sponsors and event fees pay for about a third of the total. The VI government kicks in the rest.
"A lot of the money – about $200,000 – goes to pay for the bands and entertainers that perform at various activities in the (Festival) Village," the Source reported. (Read the full story here.)
It was a grand display. $30,000 well spent. Not too little, not too much. And, it did start exactly on time. Congratulations to everybody who made it happen.
No affair at the Battery this year…budget cuts?
I loved it and thought it was awesome, it was the first time I have been on island during the carnival and 4th of July! Great Job!!!