Liberation Day carnival opens

The Liberation Day Carnival officially kicked off Friday evening at the American Memorial Park drawing a larger crowd compared to last year’s opening night.

Organizing Committee Chair Agnes McPhetres expressed delight over the positive turn-out during the inaugural program despite delays caused by minor technical problems.

The program also showcased dancers from different cultures and was highlighted with the presentation of the Liberation Queen candidates.

Only 22 booths have signed up for the nightly Liberation Day carnival, less than the number of participants in last year’s festivities, according to Ms. McPhetres.

Nevertheless, the committee chair views this as an advantage for the ones who have decided to set up booths.

“It’s good because there would be less competition. The ones who are here are lucky,” she said.

One thing different about this year’s carnival is the absence of gambling, Ms. McPhetres added. Instead, this year’s carnival showcases more activities for families to do together.

“This way parents can bring their children. And we do have very tight security so it’s safe,” she said.

The carnival also offers a variety of adult and kiddie rides for everyone’s amusement.
“We invite more people to come and enjoy what the carnival has to offer,” she added.

Open nightly from 6:00 p.m. until midnight, the carnival promises fun-filled activities and live entertainment all the way to July 4th.

The 45-member committee began gearing up for the event in mid-March, according to Ms. McPhetres. But the committee started actual preparations not until April.

“The committee worked very hard,” she said.
Ms. McPhetres is also urging the Governor’s Office and the Legislature to assist the committee in raising local funds to offset last year’s Liberation celebration deficit amounting to some $49,000.

“Hopefully by next year, the committee will continue all year round to avoid last minute preparations,” she said.

The recent formation of a Liberation Day organization chaired by Ms. McPhetres is targeted to minimize all preparation hassles for succeeding celebrations.

“With this group, the celebration is expected to be more organized and the planning to go smoothly. . .not merely two to three months prior to the event itself. So this would ensure more participation from the community,” the committee chair said.

Surrounding small businesses have already pledged assistance to the committee especially in its raffle draw for this year. (MM)