Liberation Day parade set

The 2019 Liberation Day Parade is set, with the lineup of all entries for the float competition now completed.

As per tradition, the parade will take place along Beach Road on Saipan and will start at the National Office Supply, snaking along Beach Road to the grandstand at the Garapan Fishing Base.

Roads leading to Beach Road will be closed by 12pm and the parade will begin at 2pm.

According to Liberation Day Parade Committee chair Brad Ruszala, there are a total of six non-competitive float entries and eight competitive float entries.

The winning float will get $3,000. The second-best float will receive $2,000, while the third and fourth placers will receive $1,000 and $500, respectively.

There are a total of 46 participants for the event. Ruszala also added that some marchers would perform at the grandstand, but not all. TanHoldings Corp. president Jerry Tan will serve as the grand marshal of the parade.

The Liberation Day festivities will also be happening on the day of the parade. The festivities will be open to the public starting at 6pm. There will be different carnival games for entertainment and different food options.

According to the 2019 Liberation Day Planning Committee chair Joe Ayuyu, Jr. the 2019 Liberation Day Queen will be crowned at 6:30pm this Sunday, June 30 at the Garapan Fishing Base.

2018 Liberation Day Queen Brinae Joselyn Maratita Cruz will be handing over her crown to the next winner of the contest. The 2019 Liberation Day Royal Court candidates are Regiene Babauta, Pernalyn Camacho, Angel Deleon Guerrero, Nadine Kapileo, Kiara Nekaifes, Lea Salalila, and Rhe-ann Tudela.

Tickets for the Liberation Day raffle are still being sold until Sunday. This year’s Liberation Day raffle includes a grand prize of $10,000. The first prize winner will receive $5,000, while second, third, fourth, and fifth prize winners will get $3,000, $1,000, and $500, respectively.

Liberation Day parade spectator fees are being charged for those planning to set up tents and camps along the parade route on Beach Road.

Visit the Department of Public Lands to reserve a spot for the parade. And pay the spectator fees at the department. For more information about reserving an area, contact DPL at (670) 234-3751.