Agencies race to finish Christmas Village displays

Preparations for this year’s Christmas Village in Susupe is at fever pitch, in anticipation of the lighting ceremony this Sunday, Nov. 26, at 6pm.

Spearheaded by the First Lady Diann Torres Foundation, “A Christmas Village” is being staged in the courtyard of the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center.

With the help of partners and sponsors, the Christmas Village will be housing more themes this year, with slight changes to the village layout to ease traffic and expand lounging areas. 

There will be live village nights every Tuesday, which will feature live performances and an array of food vendors.

Like last year, the public will be given a chance to vote for the “Best Theme.” The previous year’s winner was The Grinch by the Department of Public Safety. 

“Many were extremely satisfied with last year’s Christmas Village,” said first lady Diann Torres. “It is only right that we bring it back for everyone to enjoy.”

According Saipan Mayor’s Office operations manager Joann Aquino, the mayor’s office is participating for the second time with hopes of possibly winning for their unique cottage concept.

Aquino said the design was inspired by the folktale called The Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe because, like Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, the woman had many under her guidance.

The boot also symbolizes the mayor’s staff because the one thing that they all wear is boots, she said.

The mayor’s office will also add touches like flowers to represent their beautification projects.

Aquino said that different agencies are racing to finish setting up their cottages before the lighting ceremony.

This year, the competition has intensified. “We’re all aiming for first place…it’s gotten very competitive,” said Aquino.

Although all the different agencies are competing, they are also working together in a few areas like lighting.

The following are confirmed and sponsored themes: Castle by the Office of the Governor; Spongebob Squarepants by the Indigenous Affairs Office; Village bridge, stage and palm tree lights by Imperial Pacific; Christmas Beacon by Team Sadog Tasi; Santa’s Bench by Kanoa Resort; Christmas ornament by IT&E; Candy Land by POI Aviation; Santa’s Beach House by the Department of Public Works; Gingerbread House by TanHoldings Corp.; Moana by Rufina, LLC & Bank of Guam; The Nativity by Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan; The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe by the Saipan Mayor’s Office; I’ll Be Home for Christmas by the Public School System; Paw Patrol by the Department of Corrections; The Giving Tree by the Joeten Kiyu Public Library; Nutcracker Palace by Saipan Stevedore Co.; Christmas ornament by Bridge Capital; Christmas Jukebox by the Youth Affairs Office; a fire station by the Department of Fire & Emergency Medical Services; Angels by Demapan for Congress; Firewives by Kianna Manglona; Adrian Diaz; the nativity scene by Joeten; Sandman in the Marianas by the Marianas Visitors Authority; Willy Wonka Christmas Chocolate Factory by the Department of Public Safety; and a life-size photo stand by Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. are the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., Skywalker Communications, Women’s Affairs Office, Triple J Enterprises, and the Northern Marianas College.

In related news, the mayor’s office will soon prepare for the Marianas Visitors Authority Christmas Parade.

According to Aquino, the parade is set for Dec. 16 and the mayor’s office staff will start the construction of their float after the village lighting.