street vendor/performer: rules/regulations/prospects?

Hello Chris,

I have been to places where street art is huge (music, dancing, juggling, magic, mime....). Not the case here, you don't see it at all in fact. There are streetside vendors that sell souvenirs, hair braiding, photos with donkeys, coconuts and other fruits, there is guy from time to time selling cds... selling items. So for street performances you would really be creating something rather then joining an exsisting scene. I am guessing here but I would figure you would have to get a vendors license or perhaps work a deal with a business owner to set up shop in front of their place (not sure what walking traffic violation if any would exist - many stores in Charlotte Amalie in particular have only a narrow sidewalk in front of them. Your best bet would be to contact the Dept. of Licensing at http://www.dlca.gov.vi/index.htm Giving them a call is the best way to get info but their web sites gives a good bit of information.

Good Luck.

--Islander

I have often wondered why WICO doesn't contract with musicians to provide quelbe or steel pan music on the dock. On most other islands visitors are welcomed with local music. There is an influx of Americanism right now and I would sure like to hear a little more Virgin Islands old time music!

I was not here then, but wasn't there a problem with vendors etc. in the business district that led to the development of the Vendor's Plaza? That would be another great place for a "man with a pan" or a Stanley and the 10 Sleepless Knights cover band!

IMHO of course.

This is actually the disappointing thing from my visit last week. I couldn't find a steel drum band to save my life on stx. Maybe asking the wrong people.... I could kinda hear the island beat through my window in downtown c'sted but..... More cultural flavor during the day would definately be a bonus. (I wasn't going to be walking around alone at night through times square or market square as the case may be)

Hello,

East Ender and Eve absolutely agree with you, live entertainment that is local is a great treat and sets a great atmosphere.

Yes East Ender Charlotte Amalie used to have vendors all over the place... some walked up and down particularly the hair braiders... t-shirt stands were here and there - created problems with foot traffic and yes that is why vendors plaza was created - was a wonderful idea and definately would be a good idea to have live entertainment say at Emancipation Park for visitors. If they ever closed main street to car traffic that would enable entertainment venues along the route and outdoor eateries and seating, trees... what do you think?

Eve - I have heard complaints about lack of finding steel pan venues, some hotels have special Caribbean nights that are fun to go and often have steel plan music, mocko jumbi dancers, food...

--Islander

When I visited Copenhagen one summer, all you could see were street performers. It was great. One group was so good they created a huge crowd. The leader stopped the music and asked everyone to come in closer, as to not block the people from walking or he would lose his permit! Copenhagen is a prime example of 'walking streets'. Streets that became so popular for pedestrian traffic that they were closed off to vehicular traffic and turned into a 'walking street'. It's great!
Problem here in St. Thomas and the VI is, if anything makes sense we don't do it. For years we have pleaded to make Main Street a 'walking street'.There is huge opposition from the taxis. Now, in the past few months, when it was done on those select days, some of the merchants complained of less business! They said the traffic drives the people to the sidewalks where their barkers can entice them into the stores. With no traffic, they lose control of the people. Pity them. Maybe they should become more creative with their merchandising and marketing.
We could have some steel pan players on some corners. Maybe a scratch band on another. Makes too much sense! How about some genuine guides with booths to direct people where they want to go. Oh and while I am at it, some restrooms! But, I am just dreaming.
Ronnie

On a Seaborne flight to STX 2 weeks ago I was reading in the airline magazine about plans for the CA waterfront redevelopment, the article had an artist's rendition of the plan. It appeared that the walking area along the waterfront from where the Fast Ferry docks east towards Havensight was going to be redone & the resultant area would be a walking "mall" that would at least double the walkway compared to what it is now. Does anyone know anything about this?

PH

Hello Parrothead,

There have been multiple plans, suggestions, drawings of redevelopments of down town. One was what Ronnie mentioned about making main street a walking only street with seating, trees ect. The taxi association didn't/doesn't like this idea. Another idea was to lessen traffic is town by creating a trolley that would run along the waterfront that would connect town to Havensight - of course the taxis don't like this idea. Another idea was to redo the area at the old Yacht Haven hotel and the land-fill area next to it into a walking "mall" type thing like you described, with outdoor tables for drinking and eating close to the water and a walking path to continue into town along the waterfront apron. I recall seeing a rendering of the water front area with walking area, benches and lots of trees but don't recall the details about it. The only real large redevelopment project I can think of for downtown that was completed in a while is the re-do of Emancipation Park several years ago.

--Islander

Thanks for the info. Selling art through traditional venues such as in galleries and on stage will be pursued but art among the people is best, at least for me. Chris

can you explain a little about how to participate in Vendors Plaza? Like, do they allow newcomers? What type of licence(if any) do they require?Any sugg. on something different to sell?Can you sell alcohol? We are moving there soon. Thanks

Hello Pam,

I called Licensing to ask about Vendors Plaza - and the lady said there is a waiting list a mile long. The spots are limited and the folks who are there are not giving up their spots so she said in order to get in there you have to put your request in writing and get on the waiting list. After that if you get a spot you would have to apply for a vendors license through Licensing and Consumer Affairs.

Most Venders sell t-shirts, silver, nick nacks. A few sell food and drinks for hot dogs stands, ice cream stands and food vans. There is a guy selling coconuts, there are hair braiders and a guy with a donkey for photo opts.

Licensing's number is (340)774-3130

I also asked about street music performers and she said to do this you would need to first get permission for the Historic Preservation Society if it was in Charlotte Amalie you wanted to set up and if it were Havensight then you would have to get permission from the Havensight Association. Then you would have to get a vendors license from Licensing to operate.

--Islander

Post Edited (03-12-04 12:30)