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Christmas in the Marianas ushers holiday season
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Posted on Dec 19 2005
Even the strongest gust of wind and the heaviest downpour did not stop the local community in celebrating an early Christmas last Saturday at the Chamolinian Cultural Village in Garapan.
The 2005 Christmas in the Marianas was held and it showcased the talents of local and international artists.
A parade of floats from the American Memorial Park kicked off the event that started a little late due to the heavy rain.
There was also a showdown of Christmas carolers and a friendly Christmas costume competition. Floats of all sizes, colors, and designs also packed the busy streets of Garapan.
Visiting Japanese singing group, Bless 4, rode on one of the floats and performed Christmas favorites. Though the generators on its float failed several times, the group did not falter in singing upbeat songs that entertained the drenched crowd assembled on both sides of the road.
The group again performed at the Chamolinian Cultural Village where the sound system finally cooperated.
The Christmas in the Marianas Festival was also complemented with a Christmas Walk. Saipan Walking Association, Inc. president Yoichi Matsumoto said there were at least 40 participants in the second annual walk. He said SAIWAI decided to schedule the event at the same time as the festival to make the Chamolinian Cultural Village even livelier.
Event coordinator Gordon Marciano said the one-night event would not have been possible without the help of government and private agencies, which extended their help to liven up the Christmas spirit in the CNMI.
Carolinian Affairs Office, Marianas Visitors Authority, Commonwealth Utilities Corporation, DFS Galleria, JSTA, SAIWAI, Saipan Mayor’s Office, Saipan Ice and Water, Power 99, Dragon Fireworks, and Blue Bay Production, among many others, sponsored the event.
