The Saipan Awaodori Team fundraising booth is an attraction for children and adults who want to experience childhood again. Players can win various prizes by playing any of the games such as hit and pop the balloon, slippers toss, shooting, yoyo, coin toss, and other games.
“The Awaodori members take turns to watch over the different games each night, and they are all happy to be there,” Sonia Siwa of the Paseo de Marianas Promoters told the Variety.
“We are inviting the families to come and bring your children to play and support our Awaodori dance team members,” Siwa said.
From a team of 50, the group now has up to 64 members
“When the summer vacation started, we got additional members from Tanapag, Gualo Rai and Koblerville who will be performing with us at the Liberation Day parade, so the community can expect a bigger participation this year,” Siwa said.
After the parade, the Saipan Awaodori team will concentrate on raising funds so it can send some members to the annual Awaodori dance festival in Japan this August.
Last year, the team was not able to send representatives because of budget constraints.
“We hope to send as many dancers as we can, but a big amount is needed for their airfare and accommodations,” Siwa said.
The Awaodori dance festival, held from Aug. 12 to 15, is part of the Obon festival in Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku, Japan and attracts over 1.3 million tourists each year.
