CNMI greets 2001 with grand fireworks display

TINIAN — A crowd of 3,000 stood in awe as the island of Tinian pulled off what local officials described as the biggest and most spectacular fireworks display in the entire Pacific region last New Year’s eve in celebration of the entry of the third millennium.

Pyrotechnic devices imported from China lit up the skies for a full 18 minutes after revelers joined in the countdown to 2001 at the Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino grounds during the island’s second grand new year’s eve party that drew both local and foreign guests.

In vibrant colors, fireworks adorned the heavens while classical music played in the background, exuding a mixture of solemnity and joyfulness in the indesputably festive atmosphere.

Millennium-watchers were suspended to uninterrupted live entertainment from local and off-island performers before partaking in a free sumptuous feast that was more than enough to feed the whole guest list.

Tinian Mayor Francisco Borja revealed the Tinian group has more plans to spruce up what is hoped to become one of the world’s most attended new year’s eve gathering by attracting international media organizations like CNN to capture the live video coverage of the event.

“With the help of the Dynasty Casino, Tinian could someday rival the biggest cities in the world with its unique version of the new year celebration. In fact, we have already invited CNN to celebrate next year’s celebration here on our island. CNN’s possible focus on Tinian’s 2002 celebration next year could pave the way for vast possibilities for the Northern Marianas. We could be where America celebrates its first new year on worldwide television,” said the mayor in a speech.

Residents of Tinian also expressed hopes the brand new year would brim with more blessings especially in attracting more foreign visitors to tour the historical island.

“We hope that more people come and enjoy themselves on Tinian. I think we’ve proven ourselves as a destination where families can have fun, not just with the casino but also on the beaches and the beautiful sites,” said Janet King, mistress of Sunday’s ceremony.

Meanwhile, merry-makers exchanged new year’s cheers at the holiday bash as non-stop entertainment went on at the central stage which featured local artists such as Tropicsette (New Generation), Julian Hofschneider, and Boiz & Girlz 2 Mix.

Guam-based show band, The Downbeats also played for the crowd lively music that sustained the party energy until early Monday morning. Power 99 disc jockeys likewise injected life to the festivity by playing a wide selection of party music that sent guests “boogying down” on the dance floor. Other participants who rendered performances during the program included the Dyansty Show Girls, the Tinian Korean Association Group, and The Heat.

Tinian’s grandiose millennium start-up event was sponsored by the Tinian Mayor’s Office, Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino, the Korean Association of Tinian, and the Pacific Trading.