Tingting shuts down Liberation Festival

The Liberation Fest was shut down late Saturday night, and has yet to reopen due to effects of Typhoon Tingting.

According to Liberation executive committee chair Victorino Cepeda, the carnival grounds will remain off limits to the public until the weather clears up.

He said activities would resume, possibly today, depending on the weather conditions.

Cepeda disclosed that as of noon yesterday, only one unit containing four booths was reported damaged due to the strong winds. He said repair of the booths is the responsibility of the owners.

“The roof of those booths were torn away by the winds,” he said. Aside from that, there are no other reported damage.”

Cepeda and his crew were at the site inspecting all the rides and booths. He said another inspection must be done prior to reopening the carnival grounds.

In related news, a total of 30 marchers-floats have confirmed participating in this year’s Liberation Day parade set for July 4.

Cepeda said the matter on floats and marchers was to be discussed last night in a meeting; however, it was postponed and moved to this evening at 6pm at the Office of the Saipan Mayor.

According to Cepeda, the parade will begin at 9am from the National Office Supply to the carnival grounds across Kristo Rai Church in Garapan.

The Liberation Fest kicked off on June 4 with a formal introduction of the eight candidates in the Royal Court.

Representing the Refaluwasch Foundation and community is Lady Leiana K. Ogumoro; representing Rota and the Rota High School JROTC is Lady Nadia B. Manglona; representing the Filipino community is Lady Myla Capilitan; representing the Chuukese community is Lady Sarah T. Igisaiar; representing the Indian community is Lady Sweeda N. Glad; representing the Palauan community is Lady Heather O. Woodruff; representing Kagman High School JROTC is Lady Monarie R. Cabrera; and representing the Chamorro community is Lady Sheyvonne Aldan.

The final ranking of candidates is based on the amount of tickets sold. The final counting of tickets sold took place last Saturday evening at the Office of the Saipan Mayor. Results will not be released until coronation night this Wednesday, July 2.

Cepeda said 10 percent of the money will remain with the candidate and her parents, another 10 percent will be used to pay for expenses for an upcoming trip to Nagoya, Japan, while the rest will remain with the Liberation Fest committee for other expenses.

Whoever is crowned queen will also receive $1,000 in scholarship, while the first and second runners-up receive $700 and $500 in scholarships.

Each candidate will also receive a crown, a scepter, a royal robe, and a necklace or bracelet, and two gowns.

The group has been invited by the mayor of Nagoya to take part in a festival sometime in August. The candidates will be hosted by Japanese families for two days, and will also perform several dance numbers.