IN celebration of local horticulture and tropical beauty, many community members gathered on Saturday at the Kagman Agricultural Farms and Producers Association’s Sabalu Market at the Garapan Fishing Base during the first-ever Saipan Orchid Show.
Attendees were treated to a stunning display of “Ground Orchid” and “Dendrobium” varieties, proudly owned by local gardeners in this year’s competition. Prizes totaling up to $1,000 in cash, generously donated by Rep. Marissa Flores, were awarded in each category. First place winners in both categories received a prize of $250 from Kiara’s Gift Shop.
The event also featured an array of other raffle prizes contributed by local businesses, offering attendees chances to win gift certificates for local dining at Kiara’s Gift Shop and Gentle Brook Cafe, refreshing homemade health juices from SPN Juice, gardening materials and essentials from JM’s Nursery and Saipan Plant Center, Inc., delicious local treats from Sanko’s Apigigi, and massage gift certificates from the Women’s Affairs Office.
JM Guerrero of JM & Associates highlighted the dual purpose of the event, saying the show was a way to “increase traffic into the KAFPA Sabalu Market” and “spark interest in [the Saipan community] planting orchids and ornamental plants.”
Beyond the floral displays and friendly competition, the Saipan Orchid Show served as an important community gathering. The event promoted local agriculture and island beautification, as well as encouraging residents to step out during the summer to admire locally grown flowers.
The show was made possible through the collaborative efforts of JM & Associates, Kiara’s Gift Shop, the Kagman Agricultural Farms and Producers Association and the Office of Rep. Marissa Flores in partnership with the CNMI Office of the Governor & Lt. Governor, Division of Lands & Natural Resources in collaboration with the Northern Marianas College- Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services and the CNMI Green Growth Initiative. This widespread support underscores the local producer community’s shared commitment to promoting local agriculture and enhancing the island’s natural beauty.
Saipan Orchid Show 2nd Place winner of the Ground Orchid Category Rodrigo Ada gazes at orchids on display.
NMC photos
1st Place winner of the Dendrobium category Marcia Nishimura and family pose for a group photo with her winning orchid.
Winners from both categories gather for a group photo to celebrate their winning orchids. Also pictured is JM Guerrero, right, of JM & Associates.
Rep. Marissa Flores interviews Dennis Calunsag, 2nd Place winner of the Dendrobium category.
