Quite honestly, that is your call. If Carnival is the priority then you made your decision. We stayed in STJ first week of June this summer and were entertained by the Panorama (steel pan bands - incredible) and Food Festival. Islander can fill in the blanks but USVI has something from through June culminating with Carnival.
We based our decision on villa availability and the festivals were a pleasant surprise.

I am sure Carnival is nice, but it is only part of the time you are there.

Hello,

Carnival actually last through the month (of June) as mentioned by Chris. Panorama, Food Fair, Pagents, Concerts.... they are all part of Carnival. The finale is the Carnival Parade and Fireworks usually on July 4th (this year July 5th).

I don't have the 2005 St. John Carnival Schedule as yet, and don't expect to have it until much later.

If you would enjoy any part of Carnival then an earlier trip is fine, however if you really are set on seeing the parade and the final weeks events then your trip would have to be the week of July 4th.

--Islander

Thanks for the response Islander and Chris. Since this is our first time on St johns I really don;'t know what to expect. I guess what I am asking is are the parades and fireworks exciting enough to give up the villa we really want to rent.

I have not been to the parade so I have no point of reference. One thing to remember is St. John and USVI in general are laid back and low key (that's why you're going there, right?) so if you are expecting anything close to Macy's Day or July 4th with the Boston Pops fireworks, it won't happen. Nothing against STJ, but the parade will be charming for it's difference and flavor rather than size and extravagance.
We got the flavor of the island and people from the 'smaller' festivals and do not feel we missed anything by not seeing Carnival Parade. For the first trip, I would get the villa you want and take in whatever festivals are held. After all, you are going to be overwhelmed by the beaches, beauty, shops, etc. The next time you go (you will, trust me), you can decide if Carnival Parade should be on the agenda.
Carnival Parade is several hours but you will be using your villa for 7 days.

You will enjoy your stay regardless of the choice.

Thanks Chris. That is what I was hoping to hear. I really wanted to go for the villa but if the parade was something special I did not want to miss it. Thanks again for your help.

Hello Diana,

You can get an understanding/picture of what Carnival and the parade is about by reading that the various sections we have about it, there are also pictures and a photo slide show of the parade. Cut and paste this link:

https://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/carnival/

--Islander