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Funds, sponsors sought for 2016 Agricultural Fair
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Posted on Apr 12 2016
Support is being sought by the Saipan and Northern Islands Agricultural Fair Association for the upcoming Agricultural Fair in June.
According to association president Michael Ogo, the fair is set for the last Saturday of the said month or on June 25.
Like past celebrations, the fair will also coincide with June being proclaimed as National Resources Month.
Ogo said every year they start with no funds and ask the public and private sector to help them with the expenses.
“We’re aiming for $50,000,” Ogo said, “We’re going to be engaging the public sector, meaning ask money for the government, as well as the private sector.”
Instead of holding the fair in Susupe, they will be holding this year’s fair at the grounds of the Garapan Public Market at the Garapan Fishing Base.
“This is due to the fact that the [4-H] building was damaged due to Soudelor,” Ogo said.
“Part of it is also to help the community to get used to the idea of having the Co-op,” he added as they want to promote the newly re-opened market.
Like last year, there will be a competition for the best produce under the plant and animal divisions. The plant division will have categories for the adult and youth.
Ogo added that they are looking at an inclusion of hydroponic plants as well as pushing through a cooking contest that they were not able to implement last year due to lack of participants.
The association also aims at bringing again the petting zoo as well as jumpers for kids to enjoy as well as add more entertainment for the whole family.
“What we’re trying to do this year differently is we’re looking at the possibility of having some kind of musical or dance numbers and at the same time, traditional cultural games,” Ogo said.
“The whole idea is to entertain the people and make them stay longer,” he added.
Last year, over 3,000 visited the fair, according to Ogo.
Ogo said they are promoting farming as a healthy lifestyle.
SNIAFA will lead the fair and will be supported by the CNMI Farmers Cooperative Association, the Department of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Northern Marianas College-Cooperation Research Education Extension Services.
