‘Limited’ $45,000 budget could affect Liberation Day festivities

Liberation Day may not be as grand this year, due to a measly $45,000 budget that may result in a scaling down of the celebrations.

Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, who described this year’s Liberation Day budget as very limited, said the funds would only cover certain expenses like materials to be used in building the food and display booths.

Each year thousands of community members troop to the Fishing Base in Garapan to witness the celebration that lasts the whole month of July. Liberation Day is highlighted by the parade of floats, the royal court, and the more than 50 booths selling various food and products. The biggest attractions for families are the rides and games as well as the fireworks display and live entertainment each night.

Tudela said the$45,000 appropriated by the Saipan Legislative Delegation for the event will not cover the raffle drawings that traditionally give away prizes like off-island trips and brand new cars.

The mayor said solicitations are not expected to bring the usual windfall for the festival either.

“If we have enough contributions, donations and sponsors…we will continue to provide all these activities. However, considering the situation of the businesses today, that would be impossible,” he said.

Tudela said the $45,000 budget will be sourced from poker fees in Fiscal Year 2009.

Last month, the mayor asked lawmakers for additional funding for Liberation Day. He said the request was made in consideration of the delayed preparation for the festivities and the anticipated reduction in contributions and donations.

Preparations for the festival usually begin in January.

Tudela said at press time they’re still looking for candidates for the Liberation Day queen and royal courts and the steering committee had just been formed. Because the celebration is just two months away, the mayor believes the sale of tickets for the candidates may also be affected.

Tudela recently provided the Legislature with an accounting of the Liberation Day expenses last year.

Document obtained by Saipan Tribune showed that the mayor’s submission provided projected revenue and expenses for the 2008 Liberation Day.

Based on a March 5, 2008, record, the Saipan Mayor’s Office expected a shortfall of $52,225 in the festival preparations last year, based on the projected total expenses of $133,125 against a projected revenue of only $80,900.

The following is the breakdown of the mayor’s expenses from the 2008 Liberation Day festivities:

– $25,600 for building the 32 booths at $800 each;

– $5,600 for construction and labor for security service;

– $10,000 for stage rental;

– $3,675 for tent rental;

– $8,000 for video production;

– $1,000 for trash collection;

– $10,500 for portable toilets;

– $16,250 for souvenir booklet;

– $6,000 for miscellaneous for royal court, parade, and coronation; and

– $25,000 for fireworks.

Breakdown of the projected $80,900 revenue in 2008 included $38,400 from booth fees; $10,000 from ticket sales; and $50,000 from the SLL 15-1 minus the previous year’s collection of $17,500.