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Pika Festival credited to Helen Fleming Ikehara
TINIAN—The 14th Annual Pika Festival celebrated the life of festival originator Helen Fleming Ikehara.
Ikehara was responsible for bringing to life the Pika Festival that, for years, has brought together people from all over Micronesia.
According to Tinian Mayor Joey Patrick San Nicolas, Ikehara passed away about three weeks before this year’s festival due to cancer. She was approximately over 60 years old.
San Nicolas said that the festival would not be what it is today if it was not for Ikehara’s idea 14 years ago.
Ikehara is survived by her daughter, Leilani Ikehara, who was present at the two-day festival.
Leilani Ikehara said she would continue to participate in the event in honor of her mother. “She started this 14 years ago so I am here to participate. I am finally here, I made it and be out here to celebrate it with everyone,” she said.
Leilani Ikehara said that what her mother started is amazing because it has now become one of Tinian’s most visited festivals.
“It is pretty amazing. She started something [that now] involves everyone and have everyone come together and show what they’ve got…show some pride,” she said.
According to Leilani Ikehara, it was heartwarming to see that the tradition has remained the same for so many years.
“I am really glad that everyone is still carrying out the same traditions she started of bringing everyone together,” she said.
