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4th of July Parade - local logostical question
Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 10:45 am
by PA Girl
My husband came home last night and dropped a bomb, he wants to go to STJ this summer. We already had a mainland vacation planned but with Amex points and low season rates, we can do a STJ for close to a VA beach trip.
His one condition is that we are there for the parade.
We did the parade years ago and once was sort of enough for me, I remember a very long, very hot, very crowded day. We got there too early.
What has the parade been like in recent years? I am sure it still runs on island time.
What time is it suppose to start? What time does it typically get underway?
What is the chance we would be able to get a cab in from the North Shore Road? We would stay at Caneel, no Jeep rental. My thought is we could take a cab as far as Mongoose Junction in time for lunch and then watch the parade from somewhere.
Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 11:02 am
by Charlie2001
We have been down the past two years on July 4th. The North Shore road closes at the top of the hill before coming down past the overlook and toward Mongoose Junction. I'd say that getting a taxi from Caneel would be a bit dicey. Unless the cab was already at Caneel before the road closed, they'd have to come all the way around from Centerline to get you and run you to the top of the hill. Not very feasible.
If I recall correctly, the police closed the road sometime around 11:00am that day. If you wanted to get into town early enough, that could work, but anything later would be a challenge.
Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 11:07 am
by Pia
The parade doesn't change 
Runs on "island time" - hot, crowded, hot, loud, hot, sweaty and lots of fun
It is supposed to start I think around 10am but has always been late - 1 year I think it started around noon and another maybe 11am ? (I can't remember) Taxi's from Caneel are easy but where they drop you off varies - I have seen them drop you at Estate Lindholm (especially at the start of parade) as that is where the barriers are and then you have to walk down the hill and then other times they are allowed to go as far as the National Park parking lot by Monogoose.
Hope this helps
Pia
Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 11:17 am
by PA Girl
That does help, thanks. I am ok with walking down the hill.
Last time, which was 2002, we got to town at like 9am. That made for a very long day.
If this trip does come together, I will put a smile on my face and a drink in my hand and go "parading"
Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 11:26 am
by snorkelqueen
PA Girl - You are one lucky Girl!! I sure wish my husband would come home and say he wants to go to SJ!! He's over it - so I go alone!!
Anyway I will be at Caneel starting July 6 so hopefully I'll run into you there or at the Beach Bar.
Have a great trip. I've loved the hot sweaty parade and the fireworks at night make it all worthwhile.
Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 11:31 am
by paulandtracie
We will be there for that week as well, the parade is great fun, very festive, loud, hot and colorful! We love it! Fireworks are that night too. Enjoy planning, you will have a great time!
Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 11:37 am
by PA Girl
This is highly unlike him. Summer is his busy time at work and I had to sort of force the VA trip on him.
Caneel is offering some great rates for the summer. We will probably make the decision this weekend.
Posted: Sun May 06, 2012 9:35 am
by Myheart'sinSTJ
Snorkel queen- After our upcoming trip in June I'm afraid my husband will say the same thing, that he is over STJ. You mentioned that you have gone alone, that may just be my next trip, how was it for you traveling alone and did you stay in the Cruz Bay area?