THE Hafa Adai and Tirow Summer Jam drew quite a crowd on Saturday at the Civic Center in Susupe.
Organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority, the event celebrated the resumption of international flights to the CNMI since the global Covid-19 pandemic struck and shut down global travel — and the islands’ tourism industry.
“We are very excited as this is one way that we can warm up our community, and to also encourage more of our visitors to enjoy what the CNMI has to offer through our events,” said MVA Managing Director Priscilla M. Iakopo in an interview at the Summer Jam on Saturday.
The event kicked off at 1 p.m. with a kids’ fishing derby hosted by Tasi to Table.
TTT president Gene Weaver said that although given short notice to host the derby, they had a relatively good turnout with over 20 participants.
“It’s great. I’m happy to see the parents out with the kids. That’s my main goal: parent involvement. I thank them for coming and participating and showing support for the children,” he said.
Charlz Sanchez was the first to catch a fish: a tarakitu or skipjack.
Then, at 3 p.m., the food and entertainment portion of the event opened up, with entry points to the north and the south ensuring that all participants checked their temperatures upon entry, sanitized their hands, and wore masks.
Community members also had an opportunity to participate in a raffle to win $5,000 in cash after presenting their CNMI Covid-19 vaccination cards to receive a raffle ticket.
Winners who received only one of two required Pfizer shots must receive their second dose first before they can claim their winnings.
In an effort to reach the CNMI’s goal of having at least 80% of its population vaccinated against Covid-19, a vaccination booth was set up at the event for those who wished to receive the vaccine.
Also participating were 10 food and beverage vendors selling a variety of refreshments. The vendors likewise decorated their booths to participate in the booth competition.
Prior to the 5:30 p.m. Battle of the Bands, live entertainment was provided by Baraha Band, Ace Elameto, DaKine and Dr. Dolyle.
The contestants, the Spluters, Name Less, Hui Uke, High Tide, Sugar King, VIB3, and Black Sandz, then took the stage for the Battle of the Bands.
The combined votes of the audience and the judges determined the winners: Sugar King took first place and $1,000 in cash prize; High Tides came in second and received $750 in cash; and Hui Uke placed third for $500 in cash.
A $150 cash consolation prize was awarded to the remaining contestants.
Iakopo said MVA will host more events throughout the remainder of the year, including the annual Taste of the Marianas event, which be held later this month.
For more information, contact MVA community projects specialist Ed Diaz at ediaz@mymarianas.com or 664-3200.
Festival-goers check in as they enter the festival grounds at the Civic Center.
A Covid-19 vaccination booth was also set up at the event.
Food and beverage vendors lined the festival grounds, offering a variety of local favorites.
Charlz Sanchez caught the first fish, a skipjack, during the kids’ fishing derby on Saturday.
Live entertainment pumped up the crowd in anticipation for the Battle of the Bands.
The festival also offered live entertainment, prior to kicking off its Battle of the Bands competition.
