(MVA) — Sugar King bested six others to win top place and $1,000 during the Battle of the bands at Saturday’s Hafa Adai & Tirow Summer Jam in the Marianas. A total of $6,500.00 was given away to individuals who had received their Covid-19 vaccination and registered for the free raffle at the event.
The event, organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority, was held at Guma Sakman/Civic Center in Susupe, Saipan, and celebrated the reinstatement of international flights to the Marianas.
“The turnout at Saturday’s event was a true testament from our community. They have missed our fun-filled events,” said MVA Managing Director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “Temperature checks were conducted for everyone upon entry, and the response to the entertainment, food and drinks, and especially the cash raffle was very enthusiastic A huge thank you to Turnkey Solutions for donating $1,500.”
Rounding out the Battle of the Bands winners were High Tide winning $750 for 2nd place and Hui Uke winning $500 for 3rd place. Other Band members each received a $150 consolation prize.
Among 12 food and drink vendors, Meals 4 U won first place and $300 for having the best decorated booth. The Kid’s Fishing Derby organized by Tasi to Table attracted 33 young fishermen.
Festival-goers underwent a temperature check upon entry. Covid-19 vaccinations were also available at the festival.
The event was supported by the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Fire & Emergency Medical Services, the Department of Land & Natural Resources, the Department of Public Lands, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., the Department of Commerce, the Saipan Mayor’s Office, CNMI Covid-19 Task Force, the Saipan Zoning Office, Coastal Management Resources, Turnkey Solutions, Road to 80, and 500 Sails.
MVA will hold its annual signature Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden on Aug. 27-29, 2021, at Garapan Fishing Base on Saipan.
Marianas Visitors Authority’s marketing specialist Justin Poon, left, gives temperature checks and wristbands to festivalgoers at the Hafa Adai & Tirow Summer Jam on July 31, 2021 at the Civic Center in Susupe.
Manju Pandy of Java Joe’s, right, serves festivalgoers at the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Hafa Adai & Tirow Summer Jam on July 31, 2021.
Meals 4 U serves festivalgoers at the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Hafa Adai & Tirow Summer Jam on July 31, 2021.
Island Grindz serves festivalgoers at the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Hafa Adai & Tirow Summer Jam on July 31, 2021.
Thirty-three children joined the Youth Fishing Derby organized by Tasi to Table at the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Hafa Adai & Tirow Summer Jam on July 31, 2021.
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A Battle of the Bands is held at the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Hafa Adai & Tirow Summer Jam on July 31, 2021.
Sugar King wins first place in the Battle of the Bands at the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Hafa Adai & Tirow Summer Jam on July 31, 2021.
Erlina Muna, left, receives her certificate for $500 cash from Marianas Visitors Authority’s community projects manager Martin Duenas at the Hafa Adai & Tirow Summer Jam. Individuals vaccinated against Covid-19 who registered at the event on July 31, 2021 received the chance to win $6,500 cash.
