A former St. Thomas Carnival queen and a long-time chaperone to beautiful Virgin Islanders celebrated the arrival of the year 2000 in the city of Chicago.
April Petrus and Debra Gottlieb found themselves in the Windy City at the invitation of Mayor Richard Daley Jr., host of the Simple Citizen’s Millennium Banquet.
According to a story carried last week by the Associated Press, the banquet was chosen from a list of ideas presented to Chicago’s mayor when he asked for a special way to welcome the 21st century. Two citizens from 200 countries and territories world-wide were selected to attend as guests.
Gottlieb said the honor was originally extended to Sharice Smith, the reigning Miss U.S. Virgin Islands but she could not attend, so Petrus, her first runner up, played ambassador to the world at Mayor Daley’s feast.
"I’m here because Mayor Daley invited two people from around the world because of the millennium celebrations," said Petrus. "and Debra Gottlieb as well as myself are here representing the V.I. for the festivities."
Petrus and Gottlieb joined other everyday people from all over the globe who were treated to middle America’s hospitality. They experienced everything from a lavish Old Year’s breakfast and lunch, to a city-wide tour and a 2000 minute dance party at the Chicago Historical Society featuring performances from dancers representing diverse cultures.
They even had a chance to pose for photos with 'hizzoner' the mayor, but Petrus said the most memorable part of the trip was meeting the everyday people.
"There are many representatives here from the different countries in Africa and Israel, you name it … they’re here. I even met a man from the Camaroons who said it’s the smallest island in he world, but I don’t think he’s seen St. John as yet," said the beauty queen. "There are people here from all over the world."
The other thing that impressed Petrus was the 35 degree temperature. "It’s cold," she said.
But Gottlieb said she found the weather unseasonably fair. "Chicago is beautiful. The weather has been very cooperative it hasn’t been overly cold. April is still praying for snow. There’s very little on the ground," she said.
Both St. Thomians said they were "treated royally" by Mayor Daley and his celebration team.
The Simple Citizen’s Banquet began at 4:30 Old Year’s Night with entertainment, the meal and midnight fireworks.