CNMI dancers participate in Guam Micronesia Island Fair

The cream of the crop of the region’s culture and arts scene are currently gathering at the Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park in Guam for the 21st Guam Micronesia Island Fair slated Oct. 17-19.

The venue is at the Ypao Beach Park, located on Pale San Vitores in Tumon, Guam.

Representing the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands are the Welippal Cultural Dancers, along with three band members, the Talabwog women Stick Dancers, and six artists each from Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Cecilia Celes is heading the CNMI delegation.

Also accompanying the group are Council for Arts and Culture director Ramona Rebuenog and two arts coordinators and three chaperones.

The annual fair is the biggest cultural event in Guam, hosted by the Guam Visitors Bureau.

This year, the event will be focusing on seafaring traditions, with Micronesia’s master canoe builders gathering to showcase their art in tribute to 2008 being the Year of the Proa, the local word for the handcrafted seagoing canoes of Guam and Micronesia.

The fair brings together entrepreneurs, manufacturers, traditional artists, cultural performers, national tourism offices of each island nation, island residents and visitors to the island of Guam. This year’s central theme is “Celebrating our Seafaring Traditions.”

A collaboration of master carvers will showcase traditional canoes and the art of canoe building that were the cornerstone of the region’s seafaring traditions.

The opening ceremonies will be on Friday, Oct. 17, starting at 5pm until 9pm. It will run on Saturday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 19, from 12pm-9pm.

The official closing ceremony will be held at 4pm but entertainment will continue until 9pm.

Participants from previous events included delegation from Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia (Yap, Chuuk, Guam, Kiribati, Kosrae), Nauru, CNMI and Marshall Islands.

Most of the exhibition booths have items for sale that represent their island’s arts and crafts.

Last year’s featured items include agricultural produce and livestock exhibits, concession stands, and a petting zoo for the youngsters.

Some of the expected attractions are display of skills in coconut husking and grating, tree climbing, spear throwing, crab races, weaving, and outrigger paddling.