Community members watch one of the performers at the Taste of the Marianas at Garapan Fishing Base on Saturday.
Performers with the Kim So Hee Dance Academy showcase a traditional Korean dance number.
The Kadun Pika contestants pose for a photo with the competition judges. Oh My Grill’s spicy chicken entry won first prize.
“FINAL figures are pending but we’ve beaten that number — we’ve breached the $60,000 mark,” Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Chris Concepcion said, referring to the token sales at the Taste of the Marianas on Saturday.
The 24th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden, which began on June 3, is an MVA signature event that celebrates the islands’ rich culinary diversity.
The annual festival features food vendors, live entertainment, and arts and crafts sales. The weekly event is held every Saturday throughout this month: June 3, 10, 17 and 24.
Asked about the opening night, Concepcion expressed his amazement with the turnout.
“It was an amazing opening night. The crowd was lively, the lines were really long. We are very pleased to see this kind of turnout for the first night of the 24th Annual Taste of the Marianas. We are excited and looking forward to the next three Saturdays, because it will get bigger and better,” Concepcion said.
As for the recently concluded Kadun Pika or spicy chicken cooking contest, Concepcion thanked the contestants. “Kadun Pika is a very popular local dish, with creative ingredients. We’ll have more contests next Saturday,” he added.
Asked what makes Taste of the Marianas a special event, Concepcion said, “It really highlights the multi-culturalism that exists in the Commonwealth. You see food vendors offering not only local indigenous food, but many other dishes from around the world. I think that is the festival’s biggest highlight. And having all that in one place…for four nights in a month… is great for the local community and our tourists. It shows our islands’ hospitality and the camaraderie that exists here.”
