AT American Memorial Park, 86 booths were set up for the . Most of them sold services and goods—accessories, art works and tattoos.
Some booths provided information about spiritual and religious matters—Falun Gong, the Chuch of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, Gospel Light Baptist Church and Youth With a Mission.
Delegates from Palau, the Marshall Islands, Tinian, Rota, Saipan and Guam shared their rich cultural backgrounds during the festivities.
Yap, which did not join last year’s festivities, sent delegates this year, including its traditional stone money.
Robert H. Hunter, executive director of the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture, said the festival highlights the many wonderful things that the Micronesian forefathers had passed on to this generation.
“The arts impart information about ourselves individually and our society as a whole and this festival, through the art and craftwork, performances and through its spirit of exchange and celebration, is a reflection of the best of our community,” Hunter said.
He also credited the local community for its continued support.
“The festival has thrived and grown because of this spirit and strength of community. The festival continues to highlight what is best about the Northern Mariana Islands and its people,” he said.
