Since July 4 this year falls on a Sunday, the Liberation Day Committee decided to begin the parade at 10:30 a.m. so churchgoers attending morning Mass can immediately proceed to the parade route.
Last year, the parade started at 2 p.m., but vendors and concessionaires at the Liberation Day activity center want it held earlier this year.
When the parade ended at 6 p.m., most of the people who watched it went home, the committee was told.
Low sales were experienced by vendors and other concessionaires.
Liberation Day Committee Chairman Jonas Barcinas reminds the participants of the parade to observe the scheduled time of assembly.
As of May 5, Larissa Flores, committee on concessionaire chairwoman, said they already had 13 booth concession applicants.
She said the committee is expecting to construct 35 to 40 booths.
“The application is a first-come-first serve basis,” she added.
The committee has yet to finalize the “Beer Garden” proposal, which will allow two alcohol vendors to operate an exclusive booth for beverages only.
The committee said it is still waiting for the release of the Liberation Day celebration fund.
Saipan Mayor Donald G. Flores has already requested Speaker Froilan C. Tenorio, Covenant-Saipan, to expedite the release of the money.
“We look forward to the House of Representatives acting on H.L.B. 17-15 so that the Saipan and Northern Islands legislative delegation can act on the appropriation measure. It is essential to begin the proper footwork for the festivity grounds and to purchase necessary items and services,” stated the mayor’s letter to Tenorio dated May 5.
Bill Bezzant, site committee chairman, said the Department of Public Works is anxious to help the committee in the construction of the booths.
However, he said it would be impossible for them to start without the funds.
Bezzant proposed to buy “treated lumber” which lasts long and can still be utilized in next year’s celebration.
It would be advantageous and economical to recycle the construction materials, he said, adding they can always preserve them in a closed van container.
