Ronald McDonald, the mascot of the McDonald’s food chain, triggered excitement when the students of Koblerville Elementary School learned that he was visiting them.
He evoked continuous laughter among the children as he read stories from books, mimicking characters and encouraging kids to make use of the library and be friends with books.
After the show, Ronald McDonald shook hands and “high-fived” with the children, signing autographs on paper, shirts and even on skirts.
“I’m very excited to see Ronald, and I will keep his autograph,” one kindergarten student said.
Ronald McDonald arrived on Saipan yesterday morning and left at 5 in the afternoon. He made a very quick stopover at Mt. Carmel School to have a photo session with the kids before proceeding to Koblerville.
Immediately after the show, he and his entourage went straight to the Commonwealth Health Center where he met the patients at the pediatric ward and gave them freebies. Hospital staff and patients also rushed to have their photos taken with the famous mascot.
Not only children were treated to Ronald McDonald’s company yesterday but he also visited the manamko’ center where a program was in progress.
He successfully revived the spirit of childhood among the manamko’ and elicited excitement among the senior citizens who squeezed and hugged him like a long-lost son.
Ronald McDonald also visited the McDonald’s Garapan branch and performed another show at the Chalan Piao main store at 3 p.m. yesterday before heading to the airport.
For Ronald McDonald, the day was a hectic one meeting people as he breezed through all his appointments.
“I’m thankful to fly all the way here to meet the nice people of Saipan, entertain the kids and adults,” he told the Variety.
“I was hoping to get a tan, too with the bright sun and wonderful weather,” he said, smiling.
Ronald McDonald was here three years ago, and it may be some years again before he returns but the joy he contributed to the lives of the children during his few hours on island will be treasured.
