Festival draws thousands of spectators, buyers

 Thousands of spectators trooped to the Civic Center Beach Park in Susupe over the weekend to take part in the celebration of island cultures and traditions at the 31st Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival.

The festivities had its soft opening Friday night amid the hot and humid climate throughout the three-day celebration, with 45 artists and seven food vendors as well as live entertainment from various performing groups, including the Saipan Awaodori Team, Glushko’s Academy, the award-winning Umang Glee Club, and Off Limitz from Rota.

This year’s celebration was dedicated to Mi’ I Tekopua and William H. Kintz, who both “played a significant role in ensuring that our cultural and artistic heritage is both strengthened and perpetuated.”

Families of Tekopua and Kintz received their certificates of dedication during the opening ceremony held on the second day of the festival that was attended by island leaders, festival sponsors, and guests that included the Chuuk delegation led by Gov. Johnson Elimo and Lt. Gov. Wesley Simina.

In his remarks, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial said that the Flame Tree Arts Festival is highlighted by the “artistry and craftsmanship” of local and international talents, participating delegations, and an array of festival food-making it an “annual celebration of local culture, family values, and tradition.”

“While we gather here to celebrate artistry and craftsmanship, we also reaffirm our commitment to our cultural values and our traditional arts and crafts,” said Fitial. “We showcase our identity as vibrant and gifted Pacific islanders.”

For his part, Arts Council board chair Joseph M. Diaz urged the public to take pride in their culture, “regardless of your ethnic background,” as it helps bring out the best in a person.

“Let us continue to perpetuate our forefathers’ legacy that depicts our culture and history,” Diaz said in his message read by vice chair Ana S. Teregeyo.

Saturday’s ceremony also recognized the festival sponsors, each of whom received an island gift as a token of the Arts Council and festival committee’s appreciation to their contribution for making the event possible. They are Bridge Capital LLC and Delta Air Lines for Pacifica category; IT&E, Docomo Pacific, Bank of Guam, and Marianas Visitors Authority for Micronesia category; and Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Coca Cola, and First Lady’s Vision Foundation for Isla Category.

Also highlighting the program was the awarding of the winners of Bridge Capital’s 3rd Annual CNMI Art Competition.

The three-day festival also featured performances from Rota’s Trixters, Guam’s Man Atungo, the award-winning groups Manta Ray Band and Marianas High School Chorale and Glee Club, Maikai, Uncle Ben’s Music and Dance, Latte Vibe, Black Sands, Rose Dance School, Maluw Band, Afetnas Regime, and island performing groups such as Alan Ia, Pua Hinano, Tipiyeew Warriors, Te Ivi Mori, Island Warriors, and Inatua Dancers.

Food vendor booths were full of activity, with spectators grabbing a bite to eat or buying ice-cold thirst quenchers to beat the heat. Artists also reported brisk sales despite the general economic slowdown. Even tourists were seen having fun at the festival, taking the stage to sway to island and rock tunes.

Parker Yobei, overall chair of the festival committee, expressed his appreciation to the festival sponsors, volunteers, and the public for their “overwhelming support” in this year’s festivities.

“We are very much delighted to have the entire community rally behind our call for them to ‘Be A Part’ in the Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival,” Yobei told Saipan Tribune. “We hope to continue having their overwhelming support in the years to come as we promote, preserve, and perpetuate our island culture.”

Touted as the premier arts festival in the Micronesia, the Flame Tree Arts Festival was celebrated last year in June due to the late blooming of the island’s signature fiery orange trees after which the event was named.

Angel S. Hocog, executive director of the Arts Council that organized the event, said they decided to move it back to April since the community has been used to this schedule, also moving back the venue to its original home where festival goers can revel in the celebration