On Sunday, the Agriculture Fairgrounds on St. Croix will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the third annual Virgin Islands Pate Festival, presented by SMT Enterprise and Laced Legacy.
The Pate Festival has grown into a celebration of local culinary talent, cultural pride, and community togetherness. One of the founders and organizers, Rhyno Brand, explained that while the event is currently based on St. Croix, the long-term vision is for it to grow across the territory, which is why they proudly call it the Virgin Islands Pate Festival.
“The thought process behind it was that a lot of times you ask yourself, ‘Where can I get a good pate?’ There were places like Rosa’s and other small mom-and-pop shops,” Brand said. “We wanted to take it further — create a festival that celebrates our culture, brings culinary artists under one roof, and gives people a reason to come out and enjoy food, entertainment, and tradition.”
Festivalgoers can look forward to culinary competitions featuring the best meat-filled pate, seafood pate, and veggie pate, along with a coveted People’s Choice award. Top chefs and vendors from St. Croix and throughout the territory will showcase their take on the beloved local dish, competing for bragging rights and community acclaim.
Beyond the food, the event also serves as a platform for honoring the people who’ve left an impact on local culinary culture. This year’s tributes include the late Randy Randall Lucian James, affectionately known as Randy Patrick, and Naicha Mintas, owner of 340 All in One. James, who died last year, was known for his skill and presence in the culinary world, while Mintas was a longtime vendor who had planned to participate again this year before her unexpected death. A special tribute will be set up at her booth space, where attendees are welcome to donate toward her funeral expenses and offer support to her family. “She was one of our beloved vendors and such a positive light,” Brand said.
In addition to the food and tributes, this year’s festival will feature the unveiling of the new Pate Festival sign, designed by Dynasty Consultants V.I., and the debut of the festival’s official pate mascot. For families, the Field of Fun will provide free activities and entertainment for children, creating a welcoming space for all ages.
The day will also be filled with music, cultural performances, and entertainment from across the territory. The stage will feature Deh Brand, Bootlegacy, MC Bogle, DJ Felix, No Problemo, Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights, Pollo Bass Covers Live, Controversy, and more. The Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies will also perform, bringing their vibrant cultural presence to the event.
Admission is free for children under five, $5 for kids, and $10 for adults. A heartfelt thanks was also expressed to Shenel Moorehead, Brand’s wife, for her tireless dedication to keeping the event together, along with gratitude to Robert and Annie Evans for their support behind the scenes.
“It’s up to us to be cultural bearers – to keep tradition alive and make it our own,” Brand said.
This year’s Pate Festival is made possible by sponsors including One Communications, Crucian Gold, Neighborhood Pharmacy, IB Designs, Twin City Dental, Cruzan Rum, WSTX 970AM and FM100, 103.5 The Reef, KSS Sounds, Das Ya Car Rental, Blue Mountain Water, Foodtown, Plaza Extra East, Hooked on Life Charters, Island Thyme Charters, and West Gyul.
With music, food, culture, and community all in one place, the 3rd Annual Virgin Islands Pate Festival promises a day full of flavor, fellowship, and pride.
