The contingent of the Falun Dafa, which performed the song “America the Beautiful,” was the largest and the dragon dance of the Chinese Association of Saipan was clearly the crowd favorite.
Jack Omar, 2009 Liberation Day overall chairman, said the parade was “very smooth and successful.”
A U.S. Air force helicopter made a flyby to signal the opening of the event at around 1 p.m., Liberation committee vice chairman Isidoro Cabrera said.
This was followed by a pre-parade demonstration by the Taga Riders who came from the assembly point outside the National Office Supply and proceeded to the Liberation Day activity ground in the Garapan Fishing Base area.
The Liberation committee said the crowd, including the parade and float participants, reached more than 8,000 but Police Sgt. Paul T. Ogumoro, officer-in-charge for crowd control and security, estimated that there were around 5,000 people.
“No untoward incident was reported during the festivities,” Ogumoro said.
The Department of Public Safety deployed 20 personnel to maintain peace and order in the area.
Float winner
UFO said the replica of the globe in front of its float represented a world where all races, nationalities, beliefs, customs and traditions exist and live in harmony.
The dove symbolizes peace and hope.
“The aging tree trunk with green plants where the dove has perched signifies a need for a strong foundation to bring peace and understanding in the world,” UFO said.
Float competition judges Flor Miranda, Frank Tudela and Ike Borja said judging was based on the relevance to the parade theme, which was “The Path for Peace,” originality, workmanship, animation, special effects and presentation.
The float of Northern Marianas College finished second while the San Jose Parish’s entry placed third.
UFO was awarded the $1,000 first prize; NMC received $500; and San Jose got $300.
Parade and float committee chairman Felipe Atalig said UFO’s entry was “very impressive” and was connected to the theme of this year’s Liberation Day.
The other float entries were the CNMI Hindu Community and IT&E.
Good weather
The parade, which lasted for three hours and 30 minutes, concluded with the non-entry float of the Royal Court of 2009 Liberation Queen Isabel Castro Muna, Royal Princess Kayla Roseann Lizama Sablan and Princess Richelle Mungwaath.
On the grandstand were Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, his wife Josie, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, Speaker Arnold I. Palacios, Fr. Jesse Tudela Reyes, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, who is this year’s grand marshal, Navy Capt. Alan Moore and his wife Emy.
The rain stopped before the parade and Cabrera said the good weather condition made the festivities more enjoyable.
