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‘Summer Jam’ heralds the resumption of tourism
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Posted on Aug 02 2021
The Marianas Visitors Authority celebrated the resumption of international flights to the Marianas with the Hafa Adai & Tirow Summer Jam last Saturday, featuring live music, food and drinks vendors, multiple raffles hosted by the COVID-19 vaccination campaign Road to 80, and a “Battle of the Bands” later into the evening.
In line with the CNMI’s goals of maintaining safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, festival-goers had to go through screening booths where temperatures and contact information were collected, and entry wristbands were given before entering festival grounds. The screening booths were located at both points of entry into the festival, which ran from 3pm to 10pm. Additionally, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. had a booth where festival-goers could receive their COVID-19 vaccinations if they wished.
Some of the event’s food vendors included Java Joe’s, Island Grindz, Furusato Japanese Restaurant, Meals 4 U Restaurant & BBQ, Lyn’s BBQ, Oh My Grill, Pate Puffs and Pasteries, and Tyler’s Gelatte Stone. Two drinks vendors were present as well, both selling water, alcohol, and other beverages.
As openers before the Battle of the Bands started, festival-goers were treated from 3pm to 5:30pm to live music performances from the BaRaHa Band, Ace Elameto, Da Kine, and Dr. Doyle. Participating in the Battle of the Bands were Nameless, Hui Uke, High Tide, Black Sandz, Sugar King Band, Vib3, Splutters, Grand, and Ben “LamLam” San Nicholas.
The winners of the Battle of the Bands were determined through a combination of audience and judges’ votes. Sugar King Band got first place and won $1,000. High Tide was in second place and won $750, and Hui Uke was third and won $500. All remaining bands received $150 each as a consolation prize.
MVA managing director Priscilla Iakopo said the Summer Jam was MVA’s first event on Saipan, with more events coming soon. “This is the first event that MVA is hosting here on Saipan. We’re very excited as this is one way that we can warm up our community, and also encourage more of our visitors to enjoy what the CNMI has to offer through our events here in the CNMI,” said Iakopo.
Next up is the long-awaited Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden on Aug. 27 to 29 at the Garapan Fishing Base.
