Liberation Fest conclude tonight

The 2004 Liberation Festival is set to conclude tonight after a month and a half of operation, according to executive committee chair Victorino Cepeda.

Cepeda disclosed that everything, from the carnival rides to the live entertainment, would cease due to a decrease in the number of people visiting the festival.

“The number of people coming is decreasing, and so, were just not going to be able to meet the revenue necessary to continue business,” he said. “We are paying for many things, including portable restroom, but how are we going to continue doing that if the flow of business is slow?”

Even if business picks up this weekend, Cepeda said the festival would not be extended as he has already notified the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. about disconnecting electrical service to the area.

“We are going to begin tearing down the place beginning Monday,” he said.

With that, Cepeda urges the public to take advantage of the final night of entertainment and celebration.

“I encourage everyone to come down and have a good time and enjoy. We are still having all the games, the carnival rides, food and drinks, live entertainment, and even Bingo will continue this weekend. This is the last chance so I hope everyone takes advantage of it,” he said.

The Liberation Fest unfolded on June 4 with the introduction of the eight candidates for the Liberation Royal Court. Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela’s office is the primary host of the event.

The festival climaxed on July 4, Liberation Day, with a parade featuring various ethnic groups on island, floats, marching bands, and foreign guests.

Also highlighting the celebration was the crowning of 2004 Liberation Queen Leiana K. Ogumoro and her Royal Court. Other member of the Royal Court include Royal Princess Sweeda N. Glad, First Runner-Up Heather O. Woodruff, and princesses Monarie Cabrera, Myla Capilitan, Sarah Igisaiar, Nadia Manglona, and Sheyvonne Maratita.

According to Queen’s Committee chair Rose T. Ada-Hocog, the Royal Court is currently prepping for a trip to Nagoya, Japan next month. The group will be accompanied by several members of the Executive Committee, as well as Mayor Tudela.

Shortly before Liberation Day, the committee announced that the festival would be extended exactly a month from its original July 6 conclusion date.