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Fireworks mark start of Lib Day festivities
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Posted on Jun 06 2005
A 20-minute fireworks display served as the highlight of last Friday night’s kick-off to the monthlong Liberation Day celebrations in the Commonwealth.
Despite the rain, more than a hundred people braved the bad weather to watch the opening ceremony at the Garapan Fishing Base.
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela welcomed the public to the celebration and introduced the six Royal Court candidates. Clad in glittering evening gowns, the candidates marched around the area, together with their military-uniformed escorts.
Candidates for this year’s Liberation Queen tilt are Jeannadine Rios, Rona Joyce, Evelyn Pangelinan, Nicole Robert and Indira Jolin W. Kaipat and Yvonne Passi.
The mayor, together with the 2004 Liberation Day Queen Leiana Ogumoro, Inos, and Philippine Consul Gayola, led the pinning ceremony for the 2005 candidates.
Tudela said this year’s Liberation Day theme is “Liberty, Peace and Freedom” marking the 59th anniversary of the islands’ Liberation Day.
Liberation Day is held on the 4th of July, a national holiday the CNMI first observed in 1977. Tudela commended the Liberation Day committee for its hard work.
Despite the budget cuts in this year’s Liberation Day celebration, executive steering committee chair Eloy Inos promised the public a “fun” event.
The fair is held every Friday night until Sunday night. The event is also in collaboration with the Department of Public Safety, which sets up the security and safety of the patrons.
Public relations officer Laila Y. Boyer said earlier that proceeds from the festivities will help fund the Saipan Office of the Mayor’s community projects such as scholarships for deserving students of the Commonwealth.
She said the fair will showcase local talents every weekend.
