AFTER much deliberation, “Honoring Our Legacy as We Ride the Waves of Change” was chosen as the 76th Liberation Day theme.
The 2022 Liberation Day Committee convened on Wednesday morning in the Saipan mayor’s conference room not only to propose themes but also to vote on the proposed themes.
With a theme now set, a logo will be designed for this year’s festivities.
The committee also further discussed plans for concessions, entertainment, advertisements, public safety, invitations, solicitations, parade participants, and other logistical elements.
The five-night event may include a $63,000, 30-minute fireworks show, and may even have not one but three grand marshals — one for every year since the pandemic hit the community.
There will be a total of 25 vendor booths, which will be designated on a first come, first served basis and free of any concession fees.
Concessions will open on June 30, at 6:30 p.m.
Because of the time crunch, there will not be a Liberation court this year.
Instead, the Liberation Day queens of the past eight years have agreed to participate as this year’s royal court. They are Pressel Jean Cepeda Camacho (2014), Zolenska Marie Yaroitemal (2015), Christine Maebelle Diocares Roque (2016), Peyton Ha’ani Reyes Gomez (2017), Brinae Jessilyn Maratita Cruz (2018) and Pernalynn Janet Borja Camacho (2019).
Suggestions or nominations have already been submitted to the committee regarding who will be the grand marshals in this year’s parade.
Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang said he hopes to have at least one veteran assume this role.
Various floats will assemble along Beach Road on July 4 at 9 a.m. There may be one float for each village in the CNMI, possibly making this year’s parade the largest in Commonwealth history.
The parade will start at 10 a.m.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top six floats — $5,000 for first place; $4,000 for second place; $3,000 for third place; $2,000 for fourth place; $1,000 for fifth place; and $500 for the sixth.
Floats will be judged by select individuals representing several community organizations.
Staff from the Office of the Mayor of Saipan will be assigned to help with the floats, the grandstand, and other aspects of the parade.
The main stage for entertainment will be located at the Garapan Fishing Base.
Fundraisers will be held to cover the cost of this year’s parade. Donations are also welcome.
The Liberation Day Committee will meet every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Saipan mayor’s conference room until the “big day.”
For more information, contact the Saipan mayor’s office at (670) 234-6208.
Liberation Day in the CNMI commemorates the United States Independence Day Declaration on July 4, 1776, and the anniversary of the release of local residents from protective custody of the U.S. military at Camp Chalan Kanoa on July 4, 1946.
David M. Apatang
