“Who like pork chops?” a Cane Garden Bay Baptist Preschool teacher asked a group of kindergarten students at Farmers Week on Friday.
The students were taking a look at one of several pigs on display as part of activities for the week, which officially kicked off with a ceremony that morning.
“Yes, all that pork chops and baby back ribs come from the pigs,” the teacher told the students, who seemed more interested in petting the animals than listening to the origin of their meats.
While the students toured several animal pens at the Department of Agriculture grounds, nearly two hundred other attendees sat under a tent listening to government officials speak on the week’s activities.
The week is themed “Youth in Agriculture a Must, Good Security and Cultural Sustainability, a Plus.”
The following is a guide to the upcoming events on Tortola and the sister islands.
Saturday
A coal pit demonstration is scheduled for today in Paraquita Bay. Farm animal exhibits will continue, and farmers will sell produce, drinks and snacks. Members of the BVI Elite Sky Dancers will perform, as will Four Strong Band and Elmore Stoutt. DJ Millennium King will be behind the turntable.
Sunday
A sunrise service is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. in Paraquita Bay, followed by a local breakfast. Later in the day, animal displays will continue, with farm produce on sale. DJ Ah Milli Sounds will be behind the turntable, and the Razor Bladez will perform, as will Project X, a group of inmates from Her Majesty’s Prison.
Monday
Activities move to the agricultural substation at Setting Point, Anegada. During an 11 a.m. opening ceremony, awards will be presented. Entertainment and produce displays will follow. A ferry is scheduled to depart Road Town at 8:30 a.m. and Virgin Gorda at 9 a.m., returning at 3 p.m.
Tuesday
Activities move to Jost Van Dyke today, where another agricultural exhibition will get under way at 11 a.m. The ferry departs West End at 10 a.m. and returns at 3 p.m.
Thursday
The Virgin Gorda Agricultural Exhibition takes place today at The Valley, Virgin Gorda from 10 a.m. The ferry departs Road Town at 9 a.m. and returns at 3 p.m.
Friday
The week comes to an end today with a food fair at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park from 10 a.m. There will be cultural performances, food displays and farming exhibitions, as well as local music.