From Friday through Sunday night, "as we have done for the last 70 years here in Frenchtown, we’ll pay tribute to our fathers, our father figures, and those who have spent many years assisting and guiding our young people on a path to their future,” said Jean P. Greaux Jr., president of the Committee for the Betterment of Carenage.

As Greaux spoke, the party flags overhead fluttered in the wind like tiny wings. The couple dozen people gathered listened to the speech that would kick off a weekend of fun in honor of fathers.

If Greaux is to be believed, the Father’s Day celebration dates back to the 1940s. No doubt Frenchtown has been hosting this event since long before anyone thought to keep a count. While the exact origin date may be an approximation, the CBC has been hosting the event for 19 years.

“This organization was formed in 1995 to maintain this annual celebration when its existence was threatened,” said Greaux. “We came together quickly and we have carried on a tradition that is today a significant part of our culture.”

Food booths and stands were set up around the parking lot of Joseph Aubain ballpark. The smell of fried chicken and fish wafted in the air. Where before there was only a nest for cars, now there was a mini-village, ready to be crammed with people, food and music.

Not yet though. A small crowd peppered the parking lot, ever growing, but still in its infancy. In one corner a mocko jumbie toddled about on stick legs.

Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen and Gov. John deJongh Jr. were both present for the proceedings, and in Christensen’s remarks to the small crowd, she said, “Many places you go you’ll find father’s complaining that they don’t get the same attention that mother’s get. But not here in St. Thomas, thanks for the Committee for the Betterment of Carenage.”

In keeping with tradition a new Miss Carenage for 2014 was crowned. Chelsea Marie Aubain smiled out at everyone in a beautiful red dress and shimmering crown. She wished everyone a great weekend and to be safe as they partied into the early hours of the morning.

Aubain then made her way to the entrance of the ballpark, along with the governor, to cut the ribbon that would begin the weekend celebration.

DeJongh said, “On this particular weekend, let’s take care of each other and look out for each other and set the foundation for our future. This is what our Virgin Islands is about: family and friends.”

The music started up and before long the crowd had grown to twice its size. People began to eat, talk, and move around to the various booths. One booth had paper plates plastered to its front with the words “yes we have coconut water,” in bold letters.

A stand near the big speakers had toys for the kids lined up in neat rows. Yo-yos, toy hammers, whistles, toy trains and spray cans filled with party string were just some of the treats for the kids. The owner of the stand, a retired police officer, said she’d been attending the celebration for years.

Business was slow at the moment. The kids had left the adults in the lot to take over the ballpark. Little boys raced each other through the dirt. Two girls grasped each other tight and twirled.

Looming over everyone was the mocko jumbie, who danced with everyone and struck poses for pictures. She’d fling one foot up in the air and flash a magnificent smile.

Cecille Arbour said she has been walking tall since 1985. She comes when needed in full mocko jumbie attire, ready to entertain and get people dancing.

She said they asked her to come out and she answered the call eagerly. “Anything for my Frenchtown family,” Arbour said, adding that she has a small cottage in in Frenchtown, “not much bigger than a kayak!”

She laughed. Soon they’ll be playing Dancing in the Street, she said, and I’ll get everybody dancing!

On Saturday, the celebration continues at 6 p.m. with music by DJ Tony Tee, Milo’s Kings and the return of Imaginations Brass.

Starting 4:30 p.m. on Sunday there will be music from The Get Together Quelbe Band followed by Cool Session Brass until midnight. Prizes will be awarded at 6:30 p.m. for the Father’s Day fishing tournament held on June 1.