Paseo de Marianas coordinator Sonia Siwa told the Variety yesterday that the 3rd Christmas tree decoration contest will start on Dec. 3.
This year’s contest carries the theme “A green Christmas tree for the Children of the Marianas.”
“We are anticipating a more colorful celebration and more participants for this Christmas event,” Siwa said.
This year, Siwa said the manamko’ of the Office of the Aging will have a special participation by putting up their own tree to decorate.
Like the past couple of years, the community can expect the Paseo De Marianas to light up beginning Dec. 4 as contestants try to outdo each other in putting up decorations on their Christmas trees.
“We will provide the Christmas trees, and the contestants will decorate the trees with ornaments using recycled materials,” Siwa said.
At stake are $3,000 for the first prize, $2,000 for the second prize, $1,000 for the third prize and $500 in consolation prizes.
Siwa said the prizes are from the tax education credit program.
Winners will receive their prizes on Dec. 18.
She added that they have requested all the other establishments at the Paseo de Marianas to put up Christmas lights in front of their establishments.
Siwa said one of the highlights of the holidays will be a giant Christmas tree donated by RVN Construction which will be installed in the middle of the Paseo de Marianas.
“The newest attraction we will be putting up this year is that tourists will have a chance to write their wishes on pieces of red ribbons which we will distribute and they can hang these ‘wishes’ at the giant Christmas tree,” Siwa said.
Siwa said 11 private and public elementary schools have already confirmed participation in the contest. These include San Antonio Elementary School, Garapan Elementary School, Grace Christian Academy, Tanapag Elementary School, Saipan Community School, Oleai Elementary School, Kagman Elementary School, William S. Reyes Elementary School, Dandan Elementary School, San Vicente Elementary School, and Joshua Generation International Academy.
Siwa said that they are still waiting for a confirmation from G.T. Camacho Elementary School.
This Christmas event is in collaboration with the office of CNMI’s first lady, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and the governor’s Office of Youth Affairs.
