Official pinning of LibDay candidates on May 17

With the 2004 Liberation Day Festival approaching, the girls vying for this year’s title as Queen will officially accept their candidacy in a pinning ceremony on May 17.

“The ceremony signifies their official acceptance and status as a candidate,” said Queen’s committee chair Rose T. Ada.

So far, seven individuals have confirmed their candidacies. Among them are 2004 Northern Marianas Beauty Pageant Miss Photogenic Leiana K. Ogumoro, who will be representing the Refalawasch community, Sarah T. Igisaiar, who will represent the Chuukese community, and Myla G. Capilitan, who will represent the Filipino community. Sweeda N. Glad will represent the Indian community, Monarie R. Repeki the Kagman High School JROTC, Heather O. Woodruff the Palauan community, and Sheyvonne Aldan the Chamorro community.

Ada said interested individuals have until 6pm tomorrow to submit applications to confirm their candidacy.

Ada said the ceremony would be a formal event that will feature Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela as well as other dignitaries.

“Since the Saipan Mayor’s Office heads the Liberation Day Festival, Mayor Tudela will be the one who will declare the girls as official candidates for the 2004 Liberation Day Royal Court,” she said.

Ada said the event would also feature red carpet entry for the dignitaries, the 2003 Queens, and the 2004 candidates.

“We will have two limos, and they [individuals] will enter upon being announced. A podium will be placed at the entrance of the vicinity, and each will be recognized.”

Ada said the mayor, dignitaries, and the 2003 Queens will be seated onstage while the 2004 candidates will be seated with parents and sponsors among the crowd.

“They will first be seated with the crowd. However, during the time of pinning, the candidates will each be escorted by their parents and sponsors to the stage, where Mayor Tudela will pin the sash on the girls, officially declaring their candidacy. From there, the candidates will be seated at a designated table on the stage,” she said.

Ada said the event will begin at 7pm and the location will be announced at a later date.

In related news, Ada announced that submission of proposals for decorating the background of the pinning ceremony is due by tomorrow, May 14.

She added that the Liberation Festival committee is still accepting proposals not only for the ceremony, but also for the decoration of the Royal Float for the July 4th parade, opening night decorations, as well as decorations for the Royal Coronation and the Queen’s Ball.

Deadline for submission of proposals for the opening night ceremony is June 1 while deadlines for the Royal Coronation, Queen’s Ball, and Royal Float decors is on June 29.