Hendrickson's cane juice quenched thirsts at food fair named in her honor

St. Croix — Jewell Hendrickson helped cool down many of the thousands milling about the perimeter of the Eliza McBean Clock Tower under a scorching sun Wednesday.

Sunglasses, hats, bandanas, umbrellas and even hand-held fans played second fiddle to those standing in line for her fresh squeezed, ice-cold cane juice, a staple at the Crucian Christmas Festival Food Fair. Hendrickson, the food fair honoree, helped Festival royalty and V.I. officials including Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Sen. Marvin Blyden of St. Thomas, cut the ceremonial ribbon that signaled the opening of the Crucian Christmas Festival’s Food Fair.

The vibrant culture and rich culinary traditions of St. Croix came alive around the picturesque Buddhoe Park in Frederiksted. Hendrickson, a beloved local farmer, was honored for her decades of dedication and contributions to the island’s food heritage.

Hendrickson, owner of Hendrickson Farm in LaGrange, has been a fixture at the food fair for over three decades. Starting at just eight years old, working alongside her father, Hendrickson’s connection to the land has been a lifelong journey. Her farm boasts a variety of crops, including sugarcane, coconuts, limes, and passion fruits, which she uses to sustain herself and her community.