Public invited to the unveiling of Christmas Village

On the heels of Thanksgiving, the much-awaited event in the CNMI that will usher in the holiday season is ready to be unveiled and viewed for the first time this Sunday, Nov. 27, with the official lighting of the first ever Christmas Village, a project spearheaded by first lady Diann Torres.

A Christmas Village is an idea collaborated between the First Lady Diann Torres Foundation, Imperial Pacific International, Ltd., and the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, and will showcase a splendid Christmas-themed wonderland at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center courtyard.

An assortment of structures is aglow with bright lights, activities and Christmas fanfare aimed at entertaining the public.

A Christmas Village is an unprecedented project in the CNMI drummed up by first lady Diann Torres and her partners that came into being with Imperial Pacific International, Ltd. at the helm of logistics.

Imperial Pacific International, Ltd. Corporate Social Responsibility executive director Geri Dela Cruz said, “To celebrate the spirit of the holidays, the public is invited to join the many different organizations that have exerted their creative talents in building the Christmas Village. This will be a perfect venue for families and visitors to take photos and enjoy the holidays.”

Joining the main organizers/collaborators are various agencies, companies and individuals from the government and private sector such as the Governor’s Office, Saipan Mayor’s Office, Marianas Visitors Authority, Department of Public Safety, Department of Public Works, Northern Marianas College, CUC, Youth Affairs Office, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Commonwealth Advocates for Reform Efforts, Department of Corrections, Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Indigenous Affairs Office, Marianas High School Class of ’98, Rep. Angel Demapan, Lanchun Jacq, IT&E, TanHoldings, Bridge Capital, Joeten Enterprises, Saipan Stevedore, Kanoa Resort Saipan, Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan, and MCS/Rufina LLC.

Building up the whole Christmas Village, the North Pole will be depicted, as well as other entries, among others gingerbread houses, Santa’s church, Mrs. Claus’ bakeshop, Mickey and Minnie’s Candyland, a nativity set, Santa’s toy shop, The Grinch, Blue Christmas, Icicle House, Peace on Earth, Building Hope, Proas, Latte House, Tropical Knights Disney’s Tangled theme, White House, City of Angels, Jack Frost, hunter’s cabin, Christmas in the Pacific, Enchanted Library, and Princess Elsa and Princess Anna’s Frozen Castle.

“This undertaking is a strong sign of partnerships between government agencies and the private sector. It’s a beautiful thing.” (IPI)