The Christian Valley Mango Fest has lost its way.  Yep, I said it, because frankly, how can you host a festival about the mango and run out of mangoes?*  Bigger, Better, More Diverse? eh...Last weekend, the two-day festival promised a whole host of events, activities, foods and music that were either mango-themed, or paying tribute to the glorious fruit.  But save for a smattering of few fruit trees, interesting culinary mashups (mango pizza - yum!), and some always delicious hand-cranked mango ice cream, the whole affair seemed kind of wanting.  The setup, which has always caused some concern, has not changed year to year; guests park outside and are bussed in, which is great if you leave with nothing, but if you're trying to populate your orchard, or stock up your pantry, then you've got a long hike ahead.

Upon entry, one couldn't help notice immediately that there were two vendor tents with signs, and  not much else.  Not a positive sign of things to come?  Further along the path was a lovely setup of vendors including the EAG, and Flavors Fete, with colourful displays, and useful info which was nice.  A bouncy castle operated by our favourite bouncy castle operator, Anique Mings of ABC Entertainment, was a welcomed addition to the festivities since there wasn't a whole lot for the little ones to do.

A few food vendors were hawking BBQ chicken, ice cream, popcorn, the usual fare, but I couldn't help noticing that few of them were wearing either hairnets or gloves while serving.  Needless to say, a particularly tasty mango/veggie/pork kebab came back to haunt me as well as a few friends and loved ones.  Every year I see notices imploring food vendors to take very important courses in food safety, but they're usually offered around Carnival or the Independence Food Fair.  So, Please Please Please, whichever agency regulates food handling in Antigua and Barbuda, make the courses mandatory for everyone at every single event.  Servers should be taught how to serve food without making people sick.

Ok, rant over.

A lovely gentleman showcased his handmade jewellery and I couldn't resist buying a few of the necklaces which incorporated coconut shell, nutmeg, coral and other natural materials, in some intricate designs.  Very imaginative and beautiful pieces.  I hope to see him around the festival circuit again.

Further along the road was an exciting and well-attended domino competition but if you didn't know it was there, you would have missed it.  And the person/s who had the idea to put the musical acts wayyyy up top the hill should have their knuckles rapped.  It is a generally accepted rule in outdoor fests that music should always be centrally located.  I didn't quite make it up the hill, and judging by the sparse crowd, not too many others did either.

So what did I like about Mango Fest? Seeing people I never see, getting outside and breathing fresh air, taking a stroll and photographing the beautiful, natural creation that is Christian Valley.  This year, the fest was, unfortunately, an afterthought.

***

* as of 3PM on Saturday

Be sure to check out the gallery of images from the Saturday, by clicking the link immediately below: