LibDay festivities kick off tomorrow

Liberation Day festivities—a tradition tracing itself back when the gates of Camp Susupe were opened at the end of World War II—will be celebrating its 70th year and organizers are inviting the community to attend tomorrow night’s kickoff ceremony at Garapan Fishing Base.

Despite postponing its initial opening last Saturday, Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang is inviting the community to join the start of the celebration, which he expects to be the finest and most exciting in years.

Skywalker Communications Group public relations manager Kiki Chen said that the 2015 Liberation Day committee has been working really hard and preparing for the event.

This year’s celebration is expected to have fireworks, the Liberation Queen coronation, parade, more than 10 carnival rides, food and drinks, entertainment, prizes, and other wholesome activities.

Unfortunately, Chen said the rides from China will be arriving in mid-July.

“This is something new for the CNMI. With how Skywalker Communications is committed to give the best possible exposure to our islands in the international arena by tapping different platforms and its creative staging and production of our annual festivities, this perfectly fits our purpose and tradition,” said Apatang.

“This is free marketing and promotion for the islands at no cost to the CNMI government. I am in high spirits that we will be able to reach more markets through the organization’s planning and staging,” he added.

The parade is set for July 4 with participants expected to be on site by 7am, while the parade kicks off at Quartermaster around 9am. It will go toward the carnival grounds at the Garapan Fishing Base.

The prizes for the float competition are $4,000 for first place; $3,000 for second; $2,000 for third; and $1,000 for fourth—the largest it has been in recent years.

Volunteers are also welcome to apply including students from high school looking to include volunteer hours to their school requirements. The theme for this year is “Peace in Diversity.” The biggest prize for this year’s raffle ticket is $10,000.

The 2015 Liberation Day Carnival grounds will be from June 30 to Aug. 16 and will run 6pm-10pm Mondays to Thursdays, 6pm-11pm on Fridays, 10am to 11pm on Saturdays and 10am to 10pm on Sundays.