New route for Liberation Day parade

The 2004 Liberation Day parade on July 4th will change course this year, moving away from its normal course from Kristo Rai Church to the American Memorial Park.

According to Liberation Committee chair Victorino Cepeda, this year’s parade course would begin along Beach Road at National Office Supply and conclude at the grounds of the Liberation Fest at the Garapan Fishing Base.

“It’s different this year, and I hope everyone will be well informed about it before the day of the parade. I know many like to camp out or make early runs on the morning of the parade to find a location suitable for them to witness the parade, but they must know that the course has changed.”

With the parade less than a month away, Cepeda said a total of 22 floats and marching groups have confirmed participating in the event.

“That’s what we have so far, but I’m pretty sure the number will rise as the day approaches,” he said.

The Liberation Fest kicked off on Friday, June 4, with a formal introduction of the eight candidates in the Royal Court.

Representing the Refaluwasch Foundation and community is Lady Leiana K. Ogumoro; representing Rota and the Rota High School JROTC is Lady Nadia B. Manglona; representing the Filipino community is Lady Myla Capilitan; representing the Chuukese community is Lady Sarah T. Igisaiar; representing the Indian community is Lady Sweeda N. Glad; representing the Palauan community is Lady Heather O. Woodruff; representing Kagman High School JROTC is Lady Monarie R. Cabrera; and representing the Chamorro community is Lady Sheyvonne Aldan.

The final ranking of candidates will be based on the amount of tickets sold. Cepeda said 10 percent of the money will remain with the candidate and her parents, another 10 percent will be used to pay for expenses for an upcoming trip to Nagoya, Japan, while the rest will remain with the Liberation Fest committee for other expenses.

“They all win,” said Rose Ada-Hocog, chair of the Queen’s committee. “It’s just that it will be in ranking file, but just taking part in this and going through everything makes them all winners.”

The group has been invited by the mayor of Nagoya to take part in a festival sometime in August.

“The girls will stay with host families and learn the ways of life there. They will also be performing,” said Ada-Hocog.

The final counting of tickets sold is scheduled for June 26 at the Office of the Saipan Mayor.

Each candidate will receive a crown, a scepter, a royal robe, and a necklace or bracelet, and two gowns.

Whoever is crowned queen will also receive $1,000 in scholarship, while the first and second runners-up will receive $700 and $500 in scholarships.

As for the festival itself, Cepeda acknowledged the good turnout and commended all volunteers involved in organizing and assisting with it.

“Everything is going great and smoothly,” he said. There’s a good combination of teamwork, and aside from the three nights of heavy rain, everything has been great. To the Department of Public Safety, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., committee members, the entertainers, all the vendors, parents and families of the candidates, and everyone in support of the Liberation Fest, I say thank you and I commend you all for a job well done. Let’s keep it up.”