Hafa Adai & Tirow Summer Jam all set this Saturday

The Hafa Adai & Tirow Summer Jam is all set for Saturday, July 31, from 3pm to 10pm at Guma Sakman at Civic Center in Susupe.

The event, organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority, celebrates the reinstatement of international flights to the Marianas this month and will be highlighted by a Battle of the Bands competition.

“It’s exciting to finally be hosting our first major event [on] Saipan since the pandemic started, and we know the community is really looking forward to it, as well,” said MVA managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “We invite everyone to come out—with their masks—for a great afternoon and evening of long overdue fun!”

Tasi to Table will hold a Kid’s Fishing Derby at the beach beginning at 1pm. Interested participants may pick up a registration form at the MVA office in San Jose.

Entertainment will start at 3pm with Baraha Band, Ace Elameto, DaKine and Dr. Dolyle. Joining the Battle of the Bands starting at 5:30pm are Spluters, Name Less, Hui Uke, High Tide, Sugar King, VIB3, and Black Sandz. Voting will be based on a combination of audience and judges votes. Prizes are $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, and $500 for third place. A $150 cash consolidation prize will be awarded for non-winning bands.

Health and safety measures will be strictly enforced at the event, which is the second major event organized by the MVA this year. Festival-goers must undergo a temperature check, provide contact information, and wear a mask and entry wristband at the event. Entry points will be on the north and south sides of the festival grounds. COVID-19 vaccinations will also be available at the festival.

Toward of goal of vaccinating at least 80% of the eligible population, $5,000 in cash will be raffled off for vaccinated attendees who sign up during the Summer Jam for the giveaway (any winners who have received only one of two required Pfzer shots must get their second shot in order to receive their winnings).

“Toward keeping festival-goers safe, we will be enforcing the same measures we successfully implemented with the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. and CNMI COVID-19 Task Force at the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival in February,” said Iakopo. “With everyone’s cooperation and patience with the screening process, we expect to have an exciting and safe event.”

Ten food vendors and two drink vendors will also participate.

For more information, contact MVA Community Projects specialist Ed Diaz at ediaz@mymarianas.com or 1.670.664.3200. (PR)