By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

AS of yesterday morning, 47 artists and food vendors had signed up for this year’s 26th Flame Tree Arts Festival, almost 50 percent less than last year’s figure: 87.
The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, which set the deadline at 4:30 p.m. yesterday, had 30 available booths for food vendors and 72 for artists.
Among the participating artists this year are Elisa L. Berkey, Tokie Mojica, Adam Cafege/Marconi Calindas, Kate Fuller, Joe Kani, Bas Tajibmai, Flower Salas, Elena Soll, Rino Obar, Primo Ongrung, Alliance Co., Rosa C. Borja, Mike Tripp, Greg Elliot, Jill Vanderkin, Elen Del Rosario, Laura Williams, Joe Weaver, Noel Quitugua, Pentecostal DLC. Cabrera, SaipanCell, Dee Clayton, NAMI, Yeng Sheng Int’l Corp., Jack Hardy, Rankin/Kapileo, Youth With a Mission, Chen Wen Lu, Chen Xiao Ping, Rolly Del Rosario and Saipan Southern High School.
Due to the limited budget for this year’s event, the festivity will be held for the first time at the Civic Center in Susupe on April 26-29.
The Flame Tree Arts festival is Micronesia’s largest and biggest display of crafts and contemporary artwork, and it was usually held at American Memorial Park in Garapan.
The federal park, however, charges a fee that the festival organizers cannot afford this time.
Last year the organizing committee spent about $75,000 when it held the event at the park. They raised the amount by collecting registration fees, donations from sponsors and local funding of $27,000.
This year, the cash-strapped government can only appropriate $21,000 for the event.
Among the highlights this year is the artwork of local artist Douglas Rankin who recently passed away.
Despite the funding problem, DCCA said float competition will still be held and awards will be given to the best booth.
According to Arts Council coordinator Sinforosa Pinaula, delegations from Palau, Guam, Tinian and Rota have already confirmed their attendance.
“We’re still waiting for the confirmation of delegates from other jurisdictions and we’re expecting to receive it anytime next week,” she told Variety yesterday.
Some local artists and performers have also confirmed their participation.