TINIAN\u2014The 14th Annual Pika Festival celebrated the life of festival originator Helen Fleming Ikehara. <\/p>\n
Ikehara was responsible for bringing to life the Pika Festival that, for years, has brought together people from all over Micronesia. <\/p>\n
According to Tinian Mayor Joey Patrick San Nicolas, Ikehara passed away about three weeks before this year\u2019s festival due to cancer. She was approximately over 60 years old. <\/p>\n
San Nicolas said that the festival would not be what it is today if it was not for Ikehara\u2019s idea 14 years ago. <\/p>\n
Ikehara is survived by her daughter, Leilani Ikehara, who was present at the two-day festival. <\/p>\n
Leilani Ikehara said she would continue to participate in the event in honor of her mother. \u201cShe 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,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
Leilani Ikehara said that what her mother started is amazing because it has now become one of Tinian\u2019s most visited festivals. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt is pretty amazing. She started something [that now] involves everyone and have everyone come together and show what they’ve got\u2026show some pride,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
According to Leilani Ikehara, it was heartwarming to see that the tradition has remained the same for so many years. <\/p>\n
\u201cI am really glad that everyone is still carrying out the same traditions she started of bringing everyone together,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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