Liberation Day Committee member Teresita Camacho, Committee on Sponsorship Chair Jeanette Sarabia, Committee on Entertainment Chair Gordon Marciano, Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho, Committee on Logistics Chair Jojo Attao, board member Natashia Tomokane, Committee on Hospitality and Grandstand members Shirley Blas, Carla Sablan and Joy Maratita. Second row: Committee on Media and Marketing Chair Richelle Agpoon, Vice President for Finance and Budget Annamae Adaza, Secretary Diane Lumapas, Chair Nadine DeLeon Guerrero, board member and Committee on Parade’s Priscilla Iakopo, and Committee on Hospitality and Grandstand Chair Frances Sablan.
“OUR islands have been dealt with some of the most catastrophic and challenging times in modern history including the recent devastation of Typhoon Mawar on our neighboring islands of Rota and Guam. We were blessed to have escaped the worst of Mawar, and your Saipan Mayor’s Office and the 2023 Liberation Day Committee are prepared now more than ever to give our community something to look forward to this summer,” said Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Blas Camacho.
The opening ceremony for this year’s Liberation Day celebration will be held at the Garapan Fishing Base on Saturday, July 1, 2023.
The Liberation Day Committee will jumpstart this year’s festivities with a Battle of the Bands, which is expected to feature the islands’ best local talents.
The competition will highlight original lyrics and melodies centered on this year’s Liberation Day theme, “Resiliency Rising.”
Eight finalists will be selected from a pool of applicants who will perform in front of a live audience and a panel of judges chosen from the local music and arts community.
A band may not have more than five members, but solo artists and duets are allowed to vie for the top spot.
The winning artist(s) will have their song featured in all advertisements leading up to Liberation Day 2024.
The finalists will also vie for $1,000 worth of cash and prizes.
The Liberation Day Committee would like to thank its co-sponsor for the event, Napu Brewing dba Tapped Out, for supporting local artists and giving them an opportunity to showcase their talent.
For questions about the Liberation Day Battle of the Bands, email: liberationdaysong@gmail.com/.
This year’s Liberation Day float parade will showcase the creativity of various private, government and non-profit entities.
At the carnival grounds, there will be bingo games, game booths, retail space for artists to showcase their art and locally crafted merchandise, food vendors, a beer garden and various performances, including cultural dances.
The carnival grounds will be open from Saturday, July 1 to Saturday, July 22. On Thursdays and Sundays the hours of operations are from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; on Fridays and Saturdays, from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Operations will cease Mondays through Wednesdays with the exception of Tuesday, July 4, 2023 when the carnival grounds will be open from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
The Liberation Day Committee is considering the issuance of alcohol concessionaire permits and will provide an update at a later time.
Vendor concessionaire applications will be ready for pick-up on Monday, June 5, 2023 at the Saipan Mayor’s Office and/or its website.
No Royal Court
Due to the economic downturn and implementation of austerity measures by the CNMI government, the Liberation Day Committee has decided to forego this year’s Liberation Day Royal Court.
But the committee will seek candidates for next year’s Liberation Queen pageant beginning in October this year.
Grand marshal
This year’s grand marshal is Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, a former Saipan mayor, House member and a Vietnam War veteran.
The committee feels that now is a great time to honor him for his accomplishments.
Donations and sponsorships
The Liberation Day Committee is humbly requesting your support by becoming a sponsor or donor.
Interested individuals or businesses may pick up a sponsorship packet at the Saipan Mayor’s Office or by requesting for a copy via email at liberationday.committee@gmail.com/.
The Liberation Day Committee is also grateful to the Marianas Visitors Authority, the Department of Commerce and the Department of Public Works for their commitment and partnership to ensure the success of this year’s festivities.
For more information, call the Saipan Mayor’s Office at (670) 234-6208.
