Kids spread spirit of ’Christmas in the Marianas’

Thousands of spectators joined over 100 student participants in spreading holiday cheer at the 7thAnnual Christmas in the Marianas celebration held Dec. 20, 2008, on Saipan.

The event kicked off at 4pm with an afternoon 5K Health Walk sponsored by Saipan Walking Association, Inc. along the Beach Road pathway. The course ran from the American Memorial Park to the Japanese Tank on Beach Rd., with all participants receiving a t-shirt for joining.

Immediately following the Health Walk, Santa himself led the Christmas parade from Garapan Fishing Base through downtown Garapan. Sporting his red velvet suit and tossing candy to spectators, Santa’s appearance was made possible by the elfin workers of the Department of Public Safety 3D holiday sobriety program. St. Nick was followed by seven floats loaded with Christmas decorations, most made from natural material. An estimated 600 to 800 school students also joined the parade, many with costumes made from recycled materials. Participating schools were San Antonio Elementary, Kagman Elementary, Koblerville Elementary, Chacha Oceanview Jr. High, Oleai Elementary, GTC Elementary, and Tanapag Elementary.

“The excitement kids feel at Christmas time really came through during this year’s Christmas in the Marianas celebration. Their enthusiastic participation was well received by those who participated in the parade and other festivities at American Memorial Park,” said Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Perry Tenorio.

Sixty students were awarded by a panel of judges for winning the float, caroling, and costume contests. A 10-minute fireworks show concluded the festive night, courtesy of Sunleader/Dragon (Saipan) Company Limited/Dragon Fireworks.

“Kids are always important in tourism, at Christmas and throughout the year,” said Tenorio. “In 2009 we will again have numerous exchange programs to build friendships between local children and visiting children. We welcome sponsor families who would be willing to open up their homes to these children, who are eager to learn about everyday life as a child living on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.”

Sponsors and supporters of Christmas in the Marianas included DFS Galleria Saipan, Japan-Saipan Travel Association, Marianas Tourism Education Council, National Parks Service, Pacific Eagle Enterprises (Mr. & Mrs. Matsumoto), Commonwealth Council for Arts & Culture, Department of Community & Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, Mr. & Mrs. Dan Lisua, 16th NMI Legislature, Office of the Governor, Public School System, Department of Public Safety/3D Program, Island Apparel, Pacific Telecommunication Inc., Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Herman’s Modern Bakery, Sorensen Pacific Broadcasting Inc., Chamolinian Cultural Village, Taga Riders Saipan and Saipan Ice Co.

The annual Christmas in the Marianas event is jointly organized by MVA, SAIWAI, and Pacific Development, Incorporated (Team PDI).[B][I] (MVA)[/I][/B]