“We have to minimize the display of cars that promote their companies — cars must depict the theme of Liberation Day,” he said.
Atalig said political candidates will be discouraged from taking advantage of the event.
“We cannot allow turning this parade into a political event,” he said.
The Department of Public Safety will remove vehicles not on the list of participants, Atalig said in an interview.
But during the Liberation Day committee meeting yesterday, members agreed that vanity cars and motorcycles can join the parade behind the official float participants.
Isidoro Cabrera, vice chairman, agreed with Atalig’s proposal.
“We are not here to campaign and promote ourselves. Let us not bring politics to the parade,” Cabrera said.
Fireworks
There may be fireworks display this year, overall chairman Jack Omar said.
But they are still soliciting funds as the fireworks will cost $6,000 to $30,000, he added.
In a separate interview, Cabrera said he was informed that the municipal government has no funding for fireworks.
“I hope the community will understand that we are in the midst of economic crisis. Even without the fireworks they can still enjoy the celebration,” he said.
Capt. Alan Moore of the U.S. Navy will be the keynote speaker on Liberation Day, Omar said.
Before the start of the parade, a helicopter from the U.S. Air Force on Guam will fly over the carnival grounds, he added.
The parade will start at 2 p.m. outside the National Office Supply.
DPS, he said, will deploy enough personnel to maintain peace and order in the area.
Participants
Based on the vehicle line-up, the Taga Riders, Stellar Marianas, the American Red Cross, Fish and Wildlife, and the manamko’ are participating.
Nine are on the list of participating floats: the CNMI Hindu Community, Northern Marianas College, the United Filipino Organization, IT&E, the Palau Association of Saipan, and the 2009 Royal Queen Candidates.
The non-competing floats are the Saipan Falun Dafa Association, the San Jose Parish and Big Cars for Budweiser.
Atalig said the first prize for the float category is $1,000; the second prize is $500; and third place gets $300.
He said the official participants of the parade will be given a Liberation Day official pass for proper identification.
Those without an official pass will be removed from the parade, he added.
The marchers are the JROTC cadets, the Boy Scouts of America, the Saipan Awaodori Team, Uncle Ben’s Music and Dance Studio, Hopwood Junior High School, the Chinese Association, the Korean Association and the Saipan Falun Dafa Association.
Liberation Queen
Last Tuesday night, the Liberation Queen committee concluded the final counting of the candidates’ tickets.
Committee chairwoman Rose Ada-Hocog said parents and some family members of the three candidates were present during the counting of the tickets at the mayor’s office.
Candidates Kayla Roseann Lizama Sablan, Richelle Mungwaath, Isabel Rosa Maria Castro Muna will be presented today when the winner is annouced at the carnival grounds at 7:30 p.m.
“I wanted to match what we did in the previous years, but I couldn’t do that. There are many things we get from donations that we didn’t get this year,” Ada-Hocog said.
The JROTC cadets of Kagman High School are the official escorts of the Liberation Queen candidates.
Unlike last year when the candidates rode a limousine, Ada-Hocog said the candidates will be brought to the coronation area by their parents due to the limited funds.
This year, she added, there’s no sponsor for gowns and the other needs of the candidates.
