Fair endorses stress-free holiday

“C’mon, Dahlian, sit with Santa,” a mother wheedled, as she hauled her daughter to sit on Santa’s lap, while others queued up for a picture with Santa Claus. Other kids were scattered at the different booths inside the Multi-Purpose Center, ogling the various displays and pointing out toys to their parents.

The photo session with Santa Claus was just one of the many activities held at this year’s Stress Free Holiday Fair held Wednesday evening.

The event was organized by the Ayuda Network Inc., in collaboration with the Women’s Affair Office, Youth Congress, Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research, Extension & Education Service, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, Department of Public Health and the Saipan Mayor’s Office.

The activity is now an annual tradition for the public to help their families get together and enjoy an affordable and safe holiday experience. It aims to teach families on what they can do this season such as preparing luscious treats, wrapping gifts in a more creative fashion, and even dressing up, with the fair also featuring a booth for beauty.

Families began to drop in groups as kids dashed to the center for the fair. Various groups mounted display booths such as NMC-CREES’ goodies and treats for the holidays, where they also distributed recipes. Women also had a beauty session with Dories Beauty Parlor and Dress Shop. The make-up artist gave out bits and pieces of advice to women who want to look good this Christmas.

Saipan Photo Lab Inc. also showed visitors how to take pictures like a professional, while Guma Esperansa gave out calendars and brochures.

The Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program showed parents how they can enhance the reading and listening skills of their children through the courses they offer and the books they provide.

Pacific STAR Center for Young Writers proudly presented their recently launched book, We Drank Our Tears, a compilation of war-time memories written by 81 young student writers.

San Antonio Church’s Genesis Group, an all-male chorale group serenaded the families with Christmas carols. Youth Congress staged a mini-fashion show with Saipan’s own beauties Ms. Teen CNMI 2004 Divana dela Cruz and 2004 Ms. CNMI World Tracey del Rosario.

Youth services groups also participated, with an art workshop and story telling sessions held in a separate room.