12 schools will compete in X’mas tree decor tilt

A total of 12 elementary schools have signified their intention to join the annual Christmas Tree Decoration Contest, which offers big prizes for the winners, according to the organizer, Paseo de Marianas Promoters Inc., yesterday.

PDM is a non-profit corporation that aims to make the Paseo de Marianas and the Garapan vicinity a safe and clean area for tourist and the local community.

The 2008 Christmas tree decorating contest will be from Dec. 4 to Jan. 6.

The list of participating schools includes last year’s first place winner, Saipan Community School; Dandan Elementary School, which won second place; Oleai, San Antonio, Garapan, Tanapag, Kagman, William S. Reyes, San Vicente, and G.T. Camacho elementary schools; Grace Christian Academy, and Joshua Generation International Academy.

For the first time, the Office of Aging (man’amko) will be making its presence felt in the event as a special participant.

PDM staff Sonia G. Siwa said the man’amko would have their own tree to decorate.

Just like in the past, the contestants will use recycled materials to decorate their entries.

This will be the third year that the contest will be held at the Paseo de Marianas, with the first place winner getting $3,000. Consolation prizes will be $500.

Prizes will be sponsored by the Tax Education Credit Program.

The Christmas light countdown and judging event will be on Dec. 4 while the awarding ceremony and finale program will be on Dec. 18.

RNV Construction will donate a giant Christmas tree that will be placed in the middle of the Paseo from Dec. 3 to Dec. 25.

For the first time, the participation of tourists will be part of the event.

A red ribbon would be provided to each tourist, who will make a wish and tie it to the Christmas tree, starting Dec. 4 to Jan. 6.

Holiday greeting banners would be hung on the lampposts of the Paseo and Garapan District from Dec. 1 to Jan. 6.

Siwa said building owners along the Paseo have volunteered to put up Christmas lights in front of their establishments.

For the second time, organizers will again hold the “My Holiday Greetings to Our Visitors” drawing contest for the school children of Rota and Tinian.

Their artwork will be displayed at a gallery along PDM.

First prize will get $50, while consolation winners will get gifts.