Christmas in the Marianas 2005 this Saturday

As the CNMI prepares for the Yuletide season, once again the Marianas Visitors Authority, in cooperation with Pacific Development, Inc. and Carolinian Affairs Office, will be holding its Christmas in the Marianas 2005 event on Saturday, Dec. 17.

The event will officially kick-off at 5pm at the Chamolinian Cultural Village in Garapan with the Christmas in the Marianas Health Walk, sponsored by the Saipan Walking Association, Inc.

The walking activity will promptly start at 5pm at the Chamolinian Cultural Village and will take participants from the Garapan landmark to the Oleai Beach Club for the walk, according to SAIWAI coordinator Mario Espeleta. A shorter distance is also being offered for children, and the general public is being invited.

In addition to the health walk, both private and public schools are invited to come and join the annual Christmas in the Marianas event, which would be held at the Chamolinan Cultural Village.

The CAO, through its non-profit group Chamolinan Cultural Village, are organizing the Costume March and Float Parade. Assembly time will be held at the American Memorial Park parking lot at 5:30pm and will commence at 6pm with the costume/parade march, followed by the float parade, respectively. During the parade the judges will be on hand to choose the best float and costume.

Immediately after the parade, the Illumination Ceremony will start at 6:30pm at the Chamolinian Cultural Village, followed by the Christmas in the Marianas Caroling contest.

According the PDI public information officer Gordon I. Marciano, the first prize for the float is $1,000. In addition, a special popular group from Japan, the Bless 4 Group, who are famous for a capella style of singing will be on hand to share the spirit of Christmas. In conclusion to the Christmas in the Marianas event, there will also be a special fireworks display made possible by the Dragon Fireworks and Power 99.

MVA would like to acknowledge the following sponsors: the Governors Office, Department of Public Safety, PDI, CCVI, DFS Galleria, Japan Saipan Travel Association, Version Certified Co., Blue Bay Pro Co., Herman Modern Bakery, Power 99, and the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.

For more information on the event, please contact Gordon I. Marciano at (670) 322-8761 or 898-1700, or Valencia V. Tenorio and Mr. Frank Tudela at (670) 664-3200/01. (PR)