Hi,

We went last week. I think the event could do with more communal tables so you can buy food from different vendors and eat in one place as we could only find seats that you could use once you had bought from that vendor.

I think It would also help if the vendors had a little sign so you know what they are selling and how much it costs.

We were hoping it would be like the Oistins fish fry in Barbados, but I don't think it was as well organised though it wasn't set out in an area as large as Oistins.

Even though we have been to St. Lucia three times we have never made it to the Fish Fry. It's always on our agenda but we're always in the wrong place on Friday night. We are going back later this year and cross our fingers we make it.

We are going to St. Lucia for our tenth Anniversary in June and are planning to attend the fish fry. Will you be there still? We will sign up to go with a group from our hotel, as they will transport us, but I've heard that sometimes only one or two couples attend.

Diannadana

I attended the Fish Friday at Anse La Ray at End of February this year, approx our 4th visit there over the years. It is one of my favourite trips out of the hotel and we love mixing with the local people enjoying themselves. I agree with a previous postee that it would be helpful for each seller to have a board giving some information on what they have on sale, ie some sell fish cakes, some fried fish etc. Also it would be an idea for a sign to be put up showing people where the stall is that sells the chicken as it is down a back road not on the main road, I know that is a Fishing village but not everyone of a group likes fish which has happened to us over the past years. But this year the member of my family who didn't eat fish now does and we had lovely steamed fish in a garlicy type sauce and grilled bakes, washed down of course with a few Piton beers.

My wife and I are going to St. Lucia in July to celebrate our 10th anniversary also. We are planning to get to the fish fry also. We would love to meet you and really get some insight to the event, if you are still there.

Sorry that this isn't feedback in the true sense because we didn't go to the fish fry when we were in St Lucia - it didn't seem to be advertised as much as the Jump up in Gros Islet, for example. Mind you, it was a few years ago so maybe that is different now. Next time we come we will look out for this event - sounds good! How easy is it to get from hotels in the Rodney Bay area? I have an idea of where ALR is. How much is a taxi? When I'm on holiday I love to do things like this but do tend to go for something that's easily accessed because... well, I'm on holiday!. Good luck with your volunteering.

To Dianna

I have sent you a message.

To n Klinger

I have been to the fish fry 3 times so far and really enjoy the event! Actually I have never had problems with table allocation or vendors insisting it is "their" table and we have to buy food from them. I have always found it a very friendly event. I usually call up some of my Lucian friends in advance and arrange to meet them there for a "lime"!!

We are visiting in June, staying at Stonefield, and plan to check out the Fish Fry. I would much rather do something like that than Jump Up (based on what I have read). Right now, our biggest decision is whether or not to rent a car that week!

Folks,

Thanks for the replies!! I'll be in Anse-la-Raye until late 2008, so please feel free the say HI when you make it down to the village for the event!!

Throw me an e-mail (nklinger@gmail.com) if you plan on attending. I'd love to meet you all and hear how your stay in St. Lucia is going.

THANKS,

Nicholas

nklinger@gmail.com

Thanks to all of those who have contacted me through my post on Trip Advisor. It's been a pleasure meeting you all and I hope your time in St. Lucia and Anse-la-Raye was an enjoyable one!!

My work with the Vendors Association is slowly taking shape. Community work in the Caribbean can be painstakingly slow, and including the involvement of 25 Vendors can make it even slower!! BUT we're making progress. Last month we had elections for our new Executive Board and after months of drafting, finalized our Association and event logos.

Last week we launched the sale of our first event t-shirts, with the Association's logo on the front and event logo on the back. Other than the weekly vending fees that the vendors pay each Friday night, this is the only other source of revenue into the Association. The goal is to be able to provide live entertainment each Friday evening with proceeds from the sales of these t-shirts. The weekly vending fees are barely enough to cover overhead, so we're hoping this can be a kick start to making the event even better.

For those coming to the Fish Fry, know that ALL proceeds from the t-shirts ($20US) go right back into the Association to help make the event even better.

I'll be around until late August '08, so please don't hesitate to contact me or ask one of the Vendors to point me out.

All the best,

Nicholas

Peace Corps Volunteer

nklinger@gmail.com