FESTIVITIES kicked off at the Garapan Fishing Base on Thursday, and will culminate in the 76th Liberation Day Parade on Monday, the Fourth of July.
Booths have been set up and feature several vendors as part of the annual celebration of the release of local residents from protective custody of the U.S. military at Camp Chalan Kanoa on July 4, 1946.
“Honoring Our Legacy as We Ride the Waves of Change” was chosen as this year’s theme.
Previous Liberation Day queens will compose this year’s 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).
“Initially, we were planning to have only fireworks this year, but as the pandemic slowed, we really wanted to bring the Liberation Day celebration back for the community,” said Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang. “The Liberation Day queen competition is important to our budget, but with the short timeline and all that the Marianas has endured over the last two years with the coronavirus, we have decided to focus more on the legacy of our recent queens.”
The mayor added, “Our theme ‘Honoring our Legacy as We Ride the Waves of Change’ is one more way we can reflect on the legacy of the strength of our people, both in recent history and historically.”
Various floats will assemble on Beach Road on Monday, July 4 at 8 a.m. for registration. Judging starts at 9 a.m. Competition entry floats that checked in after 9 a.m. will be ineligible to compete for an award or any prize.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top six floats — $5,000 for first place; $4,000 for second; $3,000 for third; $2,000 for fourth; $1,000 for fifth; and $500 for sixth.
Floats will be judged by select individuals representing community organizations. The criteria for judging will include originality, creativity, design, workmanship, balance, presentation, and overall appeal based on this year’s theme.
Entrance for floats to the staging area will be from Marianas Visitors Authority on Beach Road and up north to National Office Supply.
Each float participant will be issued a float sign displaying their float number. The float sign must be returned to the Parade & Float Subcommittee at the end of the parade.
The parade will start at 10 a.m.
Beach Road will be closed from Quartermaster Road to Dama Di Noche Street, near Kamakazee’s.
During the parade, all participating vehicles must move at a safe and satisfactory speed. No burnouts, tire spinning, or unsafe driving will be permitted.
They must keep a distance of 10 meters, or 30 feet, from the group ahead of them.
No inappropriate music or vulgar language will be allowed.
Displaying of vulgar signs, posters, and/or clothing containing political messages, symbols, marks, etc. are strictly prohibited.
Float participants are discouraged from throwing out objects, including candy, toys, and any other handouts.
Performances in front of the reviewing stand will be limited and must not exceed three minutes.
Parade staff will be on-site to assist with lineup and execution. Float participants are asked to respect parade staff’s directions.
The main stage for entertainment will be at the Garapan Fishing Base.
The annual commemoration is spearheaded by the Saipan Mayor’s Office and was last celebrated in 2019 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This year, at the Garapan Fishing Base, over 60 booths for food, drinks, arts and crafts, and games will be open and live entertainment will be presented from 6:30-10 p.m. nightly. On July 4, the grounds will open at 9 a.m.
For more information, email saipanmayor@mos.gov.mp or call the mayor’s office (670) 234-6208.
CNMI lawmakers, Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang and Bishop Ryan Jimenez sing the national anthem during the opening ceremony of the Liberation Day festivities at the Garapan Fishing Base on Thursday.
