THE Tinian Beef, Beer, & Bands Festival, now in its second year, kicks off at 4:30 p.m. today, Friday, Aug. 12 on the Tinian Festival Grounds.
The event will feature beef, traditional chasers, entrees, and local cuisines from various vendors, as well as the “Biggest Catch” Fishing Derby, the Tinian Top Chef Cooking Competition, the Cha-Cha Dance Competition, the Beer Garden, the Beer Olympics, live entertainment, and more.
Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan on Thursday said that he hopes that in continuing this festival, the cultivation and exportation of Tinian’s local beef will become one of the island’s economic drivers as it continues to look into other ways to stimulate economic growth for the island and for the CNMI.
He likewise hopes that the festival will draw residents, visitors, and tourists to the island to join the fun activities organized for the weekend.
The festivities begin with live entertainment by the 180 Band, followed by a Zumba session led by a local group at 5 p.m.
The opening ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. with the posting of colors by the Tinian Jr./Sr. High School Color Guard and the singing of the national anthem and CNMI hymn by Javie and Janika Decena.
After Rev. Fr. Anthony Aguason gives the opening invocation, Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan will deliver his welcoming remarks.
Sen. Francisco Q. Cruz, Tinian and Aguiguan Legislative Delegation chair, will say his special remarks.
Tinian Municipal Council Chair Joseph Santos will deliver the closing remarks, followed by a closing benediction also by Fr. Aguason.
Entertainment will resume at 8 p.m. upon the conclusion of the opening ceremony.
Local talent and live entertainment will continue throughout the night with performances by 180 Band, Nathan Ada, Colleen Cing, a local Zumba group, Jonilla Manuel, Ethan Palacios, Payton Christian, Pacific Cool, High Tide, JJ Aguon, Ace Elameto, TAJ Band, and Big Jay.
The festival will continue on Saturday, Aug. 13 with the “Biggest Catch” Fishing Derby from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Tinian Marina Dock.
The registration fee is $125 per boat with one captain and one angler. All additional anglers must pay $25 each.
Registration for the fishing derby will be on Friday, Aug. 12 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Tinian Marina Dock.
Cash prizes at stake for the “Biggest Catch” categories include $2,000 for Billfish (50 pounds and above); $1,500 for Yellowfin; $1,500 for Wahoo; and $500 for Mahi.
For more information about the derby, contact Tinian Fishermen’s Association’s Ray Dela Cruz Jr. at (670) 284-0318 or Wayne Villagomez at (670) 287-8436.
The festival will also feature the First Annual Beer Olympics in which participants will drink, compete, and have the opportunity to become a “beer legend.”
Registration for the Beer Olympics begins at 11 a.m., around the same time that the booth competition will begin among the on-site vendors.
The Beer Olympics will start at noon, followed by the Top Chef Competition at 1 p.m. where participants will compete to gain the title and represent their respective establishments.
Competition winners will be announced in the afternoon, with prizes courtesy of Roil Soil Clothing.
The festival will not charge entry fees.
The Office of the Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan thanked this year’s sponsors, partners, and vendors for making the event possible.
The event sponsors are the Marianas Visitors Authority, Marianas Variety, Docomo Pacific, the Office of the Governor, Marpac, Tan Holdings, RNV Construction, Roil Soil Clothing, Hong Ye Corporation, Pacific Trading, and Tinian Shipping.
For additional information, contact the Office of the Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan-Event Planning Division at (670) 433-1800/2.
Edwin Aldan
