After a belly-filling Thanksgiving Day, crowds of people were seen on Friday night walking it off at the Christiansted Jump Up Black Friday edition, a great kick-off to the local shopping season for many Christiansted businesses.
This year, the V.I. Department of Tourism sponsored the event, and according to a member of the Christiansted Restaurant and Retail Association, Alexandria Francis Smith, over 20 vendors participated.
The streets were visibly packed with families, visitors, artists, street vendors, and lots of entertainment. At every block, there was something to listen to like the sounds of the steelpan from the St. Patrick's School Steelpan Orchestra, and moko jumbies from the Allstar moko jumbies could be seen dancing to the beat of the pan. There was also Gyasie Clarke on the guitar, providing smooth acoustic sounds.
Santa Claus was also there making sure that everyone was merry, even taking a moment to take pictures and hand out gifts.
Ms. Central High School 2023-2024 Ja'Herah Chelcher was making her final rounds as she prepares to give up her crown in December. She said, "Just soaking it up."
Vendors like Marie Orr and Zak Orr, who own Melee Mobile Bar and Cocktail Company, have participated in Jump Up since it returned after COVID-19 lockdowns. They were almost sold out of beverage flavors. "It's been busy, we were hoping it would be because we know that tonight is the mark of the season being back," Marie Orr said. "Tonight exceeded our expectations."
Restaurant employee Thomas Christoph from Alfio's Pizza said he was selling out of pizza as quickly as they were coming out and had a full restaurant inside. "It's a good night," he said. Other food vendors experienced long lines, like Diane Roti Master, where a line could be seen wrapped around the street.