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4th of July parade in the afternoon
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Posted on Jul 03 2017
This year’s Liberation Day parade will take place in the afternoon of July 4.
The 2017 Liberation Day Committee has decided to start the 72nd Liberation Day parade tomorrow at 4pm.
For many years, the Liberation Day parade has been done in the morning. The committee moved the parade to late afternoon in order for families to enjoy the event when the temperature is cooler.
Also, having it done late afternoon will lead straight into the evening festivities like fireworks and performances.
Last Thursday, Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang briefed parade participants such as floats and marching groups at his office.
Despite the changes, Apatang hopes the parade will go as smoothly as possible and that the changes will benefit everyone.
One of the many concerns raised at the briefing was a possible shortage of time. Some parade participants were concerned that if the parade were to start late in the afternoon, there would not be enough time for each group to showcase their exhibition to the judges and there won’t be enough time before the sun sets to really enjoy the parade.
Most were accustomed to the parade taking place in the morning and having enough time to showcase every float without the time crunch.
According to Apatang, because the parade is set for 4pm, he and the committee are going to be strict regarding the starting time and the amount of time each float and group will have to show the judges their exhibition.
Apatang sternly informed all parade participants that once the roads are closed, they are closed. If they are not in line and ready for the parade before 4pm, then they won’t be part of the parade.
Parade participants were also advised not to throw anything for safety measures.
Each float will have five minutes or less to go out to the audience to give out their treats and goodies.
The parade will start at exactly 4pm on Tuesday, July 4. All floats will be lined up by numbers and will meet at Quartermaster Road before 4pm. Roads will be closed at exactly 3pm.
Marching groups will meet at the National Office Supply and will be lined up there.
The lineup is still under arrangement because of the amount of floats and marching groups who applied to join the parade.
