The annual Mango Melee festival was held Sunday, July 10 at the St. George Village Botanical Gardens on St. Croix. The largest crowd on record filled the garden to see every variety of mango and taste them used in diverse food and drinks.
The annual Mango Dis, Mango Dat contest challenges participants to use mangoes in several categories by entering an original recipe. The winners are as follows:
Mango Dis, Mango Dat Winners
Salsas
- 1st: John Brastrom (mango salsa)
- 2nd: Merryn Macdonald (mango chutney)
Sips
- 1st: Wanda Wright (mango mead)
- 2nd: Cruzan Ice (mango tango)
Stuff
- 1st: Viola Brastrom (bourbon mango pulled pork with mango coleslaw)
- 2nd: William John (mango pasta salad with chicken)
Sweets
- 1st: Susan Barker (mango parfait shots)
- 2nd: Lisa Spery (mango cheesecake squares)
Most attendees to Mango Melee look forward to watching the annual mango eating competition. Two heats are hosted by the garden, one for adults and one for children. This year’s winners are as follows:
Mango Eating Contest Winners
Adults: Olubaya Kaza (third win, 2015 second place)
Children: Nickhai
More than 100 vendors had booths at this year’s event. They offered everything from farm fresh produce, food / beverages, to jewelry and gifts. Children enjoyed face-painting, a dunk tank and toy booths. A DJ filled the garden with music between live performances by Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra and reggae singer Tia. The We Deh Yah Cultural Dancers and Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies also performed at Mango Melee.
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