LIBERATION DAY COMPETITION Big prizes for float competition

In addition to showing off their ingenuity and creativity, entrants in the float competition for the Liberation day parade on July 4th may find themselves with a bit more spending money.

“This year’s Liberation Day parade will be especially extraordinary because it will be the first one this century,” said Rep. David Apatang, who chairs the float committee for the Liberation Day festivities. “As such, we want to make sure as many people and organizations participate by having really attractive prizes.”

Schools, parishes, government agencies, nonprofit associations, village groups, corporations, private companies, and other organizations are all encouraged to participate in Liberation Day parade, which will take place on July 4th.

The float competition for the parade will be based on originality, presentation, and theme.
In addition, there will be four separate categories: village (community), government agency (including schools), nonprofit organization, and commercial enterprise. The first place winner of each category will receive $3,000, the second place winner will receive $2,000, and the third place winner will receive $1,000. The parade line will begin from the Kristo Rai Church in Garapan and will head toward and conclude at the American Memorial Park.

“In addition to having attractive prizes for the float competition, we’ve also scrapped the application fee,” Mr. Apatang said. “It is our hope that every segment of the community is well represented in the parade.”

The Liberation Day Celebration, which will run from June 9 and culminate on July 4, promises to be the biggest local celebration this century to date. The carnival grounds is expected to play host to a variety of concessions that will feature local delicacies, games for children and adults and rides for the young ones. The month-long festivities will also present a variety of local entertainment nightly.

The carnival activities, which are being held at the American Memorial Park this year, have traditionally been a part of the annual Liberation Day celebration, in which the people of the Commonwealth commemorate the anniversary of the opening of Camp Susupe back in 1946.

The Liberation Day Committee is inviting those interested in operating a concession at the carnival grounds to pick up an application for parade participation from Saipan Mayor’s Office, located in Afetna Square in San Antonio. Applications may also be picked up from Rep. Apatang’s office in Capitol Hill.
Those seeking more information may contact Rep. Apatang at 664-8830 or 287-0353.